By Associated Press
Montgomery AL – Gov. Bob Riley on Tuesday will unveil a memorial wall that honors 92 members of military services from Alabama who have died in the war on terror.
The "fallen heroes" memorial, commissioned by Riley, is eight feet tall and 10 feet wide. It will be displayed in the chamber on the Capitol's first floor that used to house the Alabama Supreme Court.
The 10 a.m. unveiling ceremony comes a week before Veterans Day.
The memorial features the names and photographs of the 92 service members who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of those listed was killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon.
There's space on the memorial for more names and photos.
"The sacrifice of our fallen heroes will never be forgotten by the people of Alabama," Riley said in a statement Saturday.
Riley said he wants the memorial to serve as a "powerful reminder of the courage and dedication of these Alabamians who defended our freedom and protected our nation."
He said it's especially important for the thousands of school children who visit the Capitol each year.
Family members of those listed on the memorial have been invited to Tuesday's ceremony. Some are expected to arrive from as far away as California and Delaware.
Riley and Alabama National Guard Adj. Gen. A.C. Blalock will speak at the unveiling.
Each service member's name will be read by veterans representing branches of the military. The Patriot Guard Riders also plan to participate.
Shuttle buses from the Crampton Bowl parking area to the Union Street entrance of the Capitol will begin running at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.