The Marion Military Institute-Alabama Military Hall of Honor is a museum and memorial dedicated to Alabama veterans and service members. Located in Perry County, Alabama, the museum features exhibits and artifacts honoring the contributions of Alabama soldiers throughout history, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Alabama Military Hall of Honor was established by Gubernatorial Executive Order #59 on January 23, 1975. It was subsequently re-established by Executive Order #42 dated May 2, 1991, as amended on May 24, 1991. On May 20, 2009, the Alabama Legislature presented Governor Bob Riley House Bill 267 which was passed by the House and the Senate. The Governor signed the bill into law on May 20, 2009, permanently establishing the Hall of Honor as a State Agency and providing for funding at a level to be determined annually by the legislature.
The purpose of the Hall of Honor is to recognize outstanding Alabamians who have distinguished themselves in the Armed Forces of the United States through extraordinary “patriotism” and “heroism.” The Hall provides a permanent and visible tribute to them and serves as a constant testimony to present and future generations.
The Hall of Honor is governed by a board consisting of the following individuals, with their consent: the Governor; President of Marion Military Institute; Senior Active Duty Officer stationed in Alabama from the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard; Senior Retired Officer permanently residing in the State of Alabama from the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard; The Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard; Commander of the Alabama Veterans of Foreign Wars; Commander of the Alabama American Legion; Commander of the Department of Alabama Military Order of the Purple Heart; Director of the Department of Archives and History of the State of Alabama; President of the Alabama Press Association; Command Sergeant Major of the Alabama National Guard; and five members appointed by the Governor.
The Governor serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and the President of Marion Military Institute is the Board’s Vice-Chairman. The Board adopts by-laws, rules, and regulations governing the selection of inductees, and the means and manner of honoring such persons. When selections to the Hall of Honor are made, the Board selects persons from a broad spectrum of recommendations.
The Hall of Honor receives nominations, and makes selections, to the Military Hall of Honor. Inductions were held in 1976 and 1977, but then became inactive due to lack of funds and participation. Additional inductions took place in 1989 and 1990 and again became inactive due to lack of funding. Efforts to revitalize the process were once again begun in 1997 with inductions starting with 1999 and continuing.
