Alabama statue commemorates farmers' military service

The 16-foot bronze statue is a replica of the Embattled Farmer statue in Concord, Massachusetts.
The 16-foot bronze statue is a replica of the Embattled Farmer statue in Concord, Massachusetts. | Contributed photo

A statue unveiled Monday at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama commemorates the brave military service of Alabama farmers. 

The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance co-sponsored the 16-foot bronze statue located on the American Village Freedom Trail. It especially honors those farmers who fought in the American Revolution.

“As Americans, we owe a tremendous debt to the original embattled farmers who fought for democracy and helped found our country,” Jimmy Parnell, president of Alfa and the Alabama Farms Federation, said. “Farms suffered while the soldiers were at war, and some farmers even lost their land and way of life. Those farmers were willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good of freedom and liberty. That’s a lesson we can all learn from as we strive to put our country back on the right track.”

American Village founder and CEO Tom Walker thanked those who thought it was important to recognize this special group during a George Washington birthday celebration, which coincided with the unveiling of the statue.

“As young people come to learn about American freedom, they will see the powerful statue reminding us of the embattled farmers of 1775 who fought for liberty and self-government,” Walker said. “They will learn the story of how a strong, independent, determined and courageous force of country farmers stood firm for the cause of liberty. And in that powerful story, these students and other visitors may find encouragement as they prepare for their vital roles as good citizens and leaders.”

This statue is a replica of the Embattled Farmer statue in Concord, Massachusetts.