Community remembers local veteran, KIA in Vietnam

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If family or friends of any soldier killed in wars who lived in my district will come to me with a plan, I will get it through the legislature to name a bridge, highway or some public facility in their memory."
Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview

BAILEYTON – Alton Shedd, a soldier from Baileyton, Alabama died in Vietnam almost 50 years ago. His community is making sure he will always be remembered, and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten.

This Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016 at 3 p.m., Roswell Creek Baptist Church, where Shedd is buried, will open its doors again to remember him.

A ceremony will unveil signs naming the new bridge on Alabama Highway 67 the "Alton Shedd Memorial Bridge" in memory of the fallen soldier.

The bridge is located on Alabama Highway 67 at the county line of Blount and Cullman County. The church is located at the hilltop near the bridge.

State Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview says he hopes this is the beginning of recognizing every soldier from his legislative district who was killed in war. "If family or friends of any soldier killed in wars who lived in my district will come to me with a plan, I will get it through the legislature to name a bridge, highway or some public facility in their memory," Shedd said.

The challenge is the cost of the signs has to paid for by private funding.

The Baileyton community conducted fundraising activities led by Mayor Johnny Dyar, the town council and the Baileyton Senior Center to pay for the Alton Shedd signs.

The unveiling ceremony will pay tribute to the life of Alton Shedd and his wife Elaine Jimmerson Shedd.

For more information, Randall Shedd can be reached at randallshedd@icloud.com or by cell phone at 256-531-6641.