PHOTO: Members of the Fort Payne High School JROTC raise the flags at Fort Payne Patriot's Park; located as you enter the city on Alabama Highway 35. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)

By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor 

tyler@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Scroll Down for Full Video) Yesterday at 2 pm, the flags were raised at the DeKalb County Patriot's Park, located on Highway 35 as you enter Fort Payne from Lookout Mountain.

DeKalb County Revenue Commissioner Tyler Wilkes has spearheaded the effort to move the park along, and began the ceremony:

"It's coming close to two years that I've been on this board, and those that have been on the board in the past, and those that are presently serving; I appreciate everybody's hard work. It's took a lot to get us to where we are at," said Wilkes.

"The City of Fort Payne, thank you for doing what you've done. If it were not for that, this project wouldn't have gotten off the ground," said Wilkes. "We appreciate the mayor and city council for stepping up. Ya'll have been amazing, and I appreciate it."

"I just wanted to welcome everyone out. We hope this is not our last. Eventually get it to where we can get the granite bought, we'll get that and get this finished up. That's our vision, and our hope for everything going forward," said Wilkes.

The project originated with the DeKalb County VFW.  It became a community mission after a partnership was established with the City of Fort Payne and the DeKalb County Fire and Police Departments.

The purpose of the Park is to honor men and women who have dedicated their lives to protect and serve DeKalb County.

Wilkes then lead the group in prayer, then the Fort Payne High School JROTC raised the POW/MIA, American, and Alabama flags. Mayor Larry Chesser thanked the JROTC students for conducting the ceremony.

Watch the Full Video: