Alabama Gold Star Families happy with monument reveal

The monument is the first of its kind in Alabama.

Gold star families cried... laughed and rejoiced after taking a first look at a monument revealed at the huntsville veterans memorial.

Its the first of its kind in alabama.

Waay-31s alexis scott was there when the ribbon was cut and learned what this means to families here in north alabama.

Emily rutherford, gold star families "the main point of us being here is we want our loved ones always remembered.

When you remember them, their legacy lives on," hundreds of people came to witness the unveiling of the first gold star families monument in alabama.

It's forever home is at the huntsville veterans memorial.

Nat sound of singing emily rutherford was there for her brother...staff sergeant jefferey allen hall.

He died in 2009 after being hit with an i-e-d in afghanistan.

Rutherford says this monument brings allows her to feel close to her brother.

Emily rutherford, gold star families "being able to come visit it brings a sense of peace.

People will be able to come and pay their respects.

It's very very special and we're very grateful for it," at the ceremony... many shared their own experiences with losing a family member while in service.

Nats of speaker but all in all... after the roses were laid down... and tears were shed... there were still smiles.

Now -- there's a symbol of recognition for families of those who fought for our country.

Rutherford says she's beyond thankful for the gold star family unit and bond.

She says if you feel you're alone... this can be a reminder that there are people out there to support you.

Emily rutherford, gold star families "we all have our loved ones that passed away and we all have that in common.

The love for our siblings or our children, husbands, wives... and it's very comforting to have that family... somebody who truly understands," some gold star families told me this monument gives them the closure they need ... as some fallen soldiers were never laid to rest... and were missing in action.

So now they have a place to pay their respects.

Reporting in huntsville, alexis scott waay31 news.

There are also commemoration bricks at the monument site where you