News & Announcements

The city of Oxford takes this Memorial Day weekend to honor and celebrate the lives of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the freedoms all Americans hold dear.

Oxford, by its proximity to the former Fort McClellan Army base and the Anniston Army Depot alone, has long held a close alliance with and reverence for the men and women who have worn our country’s uniform, and has sought to remember them and what their service provided in more permanent ways.

Located at the south end of the Oxford Civic Center, Liberty Park memorializes both our veterans and first responders.  Those who served in all branches of service are represented, including POW-MIA and KIA, with special markers. It features a domed pavilion with benches, a WWII-era cannon, a lighted reflecting pool and fountain, and a natural amphitheater for events honoring those who have served in our military or as first responders.

One of those events is the annual Freedom Festival, held every July 4, in conjunction with the Oxford Arts Council. It is an answer to President John Adams’ call for the day of independence to be celebrated with “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.”

That longstanding tradition and remembrance will soon be joined by another when Historic Main Street Oxford, in partnership with the Oxford Arts Council, will unveil new banners honoring 44 of Oxford’s hometown veterans which will be displayed along Choccolocco Street and Main Street yearly from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. The banners will be unveiled during a special ceremony at Simmons Park on Saturday, May 31, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

“My grandfather was a veteran,” said Mayor Alton Craft. “I know all the citizens of Oxford eternally appreciate the sacrifice of all our fallen veterans and first responders for what they have given to keep our community safe and our nation free.”

Photo credit: Drew Senter Longleaf Photography