Many times during the 50/50 tour, we have visited sobering sights that reminded us of the dark and difficult chapters in our nation’s history. Few have been as powerful, however, as the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama. I knew the Memorial would be moving, but just the sight of it brought me to tears.

The beautiful granite, circular table stands on a quiet street. Etched into the table are the names of people who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement from 1954 to 1968. Water flows gently out the center of the table and down the sides. In the background are Dr. King’s inspiring words. The Memorial is strangely peaceful and calming, in dramatic contrast to the violence that claimed those recognized here.

Inside a nearby building, the Movement is chronicled through a series of exhibits that highlight the courage, strength, and determination of those who changed our country — and the world — with their actions.

We also visited the Rosa Parks museum and drove past the Dexter Avenue King Baptist church, where Dr. King preached, near the state capitol. I felt so honored and humbled to be at the places where such history has occurred. I was also glad to be sharing these moments with our kids, to help them appreciate the circumstances some of our countrymen endured, and the dignity with which they sought justice.

Moving back further in time, we passed the First White House of the Confederacy, used briefly by Jefferson Davis in 1861.

* * * *

Montgomery impressed us as a very live-able city. I judge all cities and towns by their parking meters. Not the kind you put money in, but the ease with which one can park a car. New York city would be at the high-end of the parking meter, and Montgomery is closer to the low-end. Parking tends to rule my life and influence my actions far more than I care to admit. We’ve used public transportation and walked a fair amount on the 50/50 tour, but I’m afraid we have also relied heavily on rental cars. And readily available parking spaces.

As I navigated Bill through Montgomery’s streets, I noticed a place on the map that would have brought a smile to my dad’s face. His mother’s name was Mildred, and his wife’s name was Virginia. Here we were, far from his home in California, at the intersection of the two most important women in his life. We’re thinking of you in Alabama, dad.

Of course another important criteria for evaluating cities is the availability of good baseball. Once again, Montgomery scores high. We spent a very enjoyable evening watching the Montgomery Biscuits beat the Jackson Generals.

Who’d want a hot dog, when you can eat biscuits and gravy?

This was funny to see — several scouts were sitting near us, aiming their radar guns with every pitch.

We flew into Birmingham, and traveled along I-20, I-59, I-65, I-10, and route 480 in Alabama. We’re sorry to disappoint our friend Steve, who suggested that we find a guy with a banjo on his knee for our iconic photo. Never did see one.

We didn’t spend much time in Birmingham, but we did stop to see the Vulcan statue. This is certainly an iconic image for Birmingham. Vulcan was the Roman god of blacksmithing and metal working, and the area around Birmingham was rich in iron ore, hence the tribute. We couldn’t pass up the chance to give our own tribute to Vulcans. Live long and prosper.

We enjoyed our time in Alabama, and were saddened to learn of the destruction that took place there from a deadly tornado — just one week after our visit.

29. Alabama
The Civil Rights Memorial