Establish historical site and marker

From: Terry Lynch
6701 Winton Blont Blvd. #241035
Montgomery, AL 36124-1035

To: Veterans, military families, friends and all concerned citizens who may have loved ones interred at Fort McClellan Military Cemetery

Dear Friends:

Would you please help me. I am trying to establish the placement of a historical marker at a very important site in Alabama. This is in relation to the Fort McClellan Military Cemetery, a site where 393 people are buried in 355 graves. I am initiating an effort to have a historical marker placed at this site which is where my father Lt. Col. Leonard P. Lynch, is interred. My father was a U.S. Army soldier who had a long military career distinguished by his roles in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam conflict, the Cold War and the Selma-to-Montgomery March, events of great historical significance is interred.

You may be aware of the fact that military cemeteries have played an important role in our history. Many of these sites have special significance because they are where important historical figures are interred. A prime example of this is Arlington National Cemetery where not only soldiers rest in peace but presidents, astronauts and other well remembered veterans have come to rest.

These military cemeteries play a vital role in our history because soldiers and their family members continue to be interred in these hallowed grounds. In the case of the Fort McClellan Military Cemetery there are some 367 families who have loved ones interred in that hallowed ground with the first being laid to rest in 1917. Their combined duty to God and country is of historical significance. In fact many of these soldiers would have qualified for burial at Arlington National Cemetery and instead chose this location either because of their service at Fort McClellan, the fact that it would be closer to their homes and loved one where they retired or just that the area is so beautiful and tranquil. Their memory should not be forgotten or lessened just because they chose not to be interred in Arlington National Cemetery. Rather we should note and long remember the site where they rest for its historical significance.

Would you please send me information with respect to establishing a historical marker at this site. I need to know how the Alabama Department of Archives and History is able to help with this process. What are the steps involved in the process? What would you suggest is the best way to work toward this goal? How else might you be able to help in this effort.

In regard to this matter the closure of Fort McClellan concerns many people who are concerned about various political issues. I understand Mr. Paul Johnson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Housing, decided on 27 March 2000 that the Army will retain ownership of this site. Therefore it would be the most appropriate site for a historical marker with respect to those interred and Fort McClellan proper. The precedent for this is Arlington National Cemetery itself which was a fort before becoming a military cemetery.

I also understand much of the surrounding area may be being considered for other usage or development as the Joint Powers Authority formulates and executes its reuse plan. However the Fort McClellan Military Cemetery site will be preserved and is therefore the most appropriate location for a historical marker pertaining to both Fort McClellan and those interred on the property.

With regard to efforts to establishment a historical marker for the site, which may also serve to mark and designate the significant history of Fort McClellan itself, I do not want to become involved with the politics of the closure of Fort McClellan. I am simply interested in honoring our soldier fathers and forever remembering the historical role they played in securing and preserving our nation's freedom.

I'm sure this matter may be of concern to other family members who have loved ones interred at the Fort McClellan Military Cemetery. It may also concern their friends and associates as well as other members of the military community who have served at Fort McClellan, especially those who expect to one day be interred in that hallowed ground. For this reason I'm asking everyone who shares this interest to help.

Please write to me and let me know that you are interested in this matter. If you have loved ones buried at Fort McClellan Military Cemetery I'd like to know more about their military careers. This includes collecting photographs and perhaps developing a special memorial web site which features these soldiers and family members.

If you are able to help in other way, please let me know. Your expressed interest in this matter and support may help establish a historical marker. Your help and support in this effort is appreciated. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Terry Lynch