Foley, Alabama, was recently named the American World War II Heritage City for Alabama by the National Park Service. Only one community in each state or territory can receive this designation.
“Foley's recognition by the National Park Service is an incredible recognition of our city and area's support of our military and veterans,” Mayor Ralph Hellmich said about the honor. “Even before World War II, our area was patriotic, but it certainly peaked during our nation's World War II effort. We should all be proud of this recognition.”
The American World War II Heritage City Program recognizes communities that made contributions to the war effort and that continue to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and those on the home front during World War II.
It also aims to recognize the historic importance of the United States’ domestic involvement in the war and to ensure the continued preservation of that defining period in American history.
“The American World War II Heritage Cities Program honors the contributions of local towns, cities, counties and commemorates the stories of the men, women and children whose bravery and sacrifices shaped the U.S. home front during World War II, and still impact our country today,” a statement from the National Park Service said. “Foley played a critical role in this history, and we are pleased to recognize your jurisdiction as an American World War II Heritage City through the program.”
Barin Field is an example of that critical role Foley played. Opened by the U.S. Navy within a year of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Barin Field was an auxiliary training center for the Pensacola Air Station.
Its impact on the economy was great, as Navy personnel boarded in almost every vacant room in town, as many as five families occupied a single house, and apartments were built by the National Housing Administration at the site of what is now Riviera Utilities.
Today, visitors to Foley can stop at multiple memorials around town to pay their respects.
On Feb. 1, 1943, the Women’s Club of Foley planted a live oak tree as a living tribute “honoring the young men and women of the community who are now or will soon be in the service of our country.” After the end of World War II, a flagpole and stone marker were dedicated at the site.
The oak, flagpole and marker remain in Foley’s Heritage Park as an ongoing commemoration recognizing those who served in World War II.
Foley also dedicated a second memorial to World War II veterans. That memorial is in Max Griffin Park and has since expanded to recognize veterans who served in later conflicts. In 2023, Foley added two anti-tank guns acquired from the U.S. Army to the memorial site.