Revelers pose for a photo at a World War I victory parade for the 167th infantry regiment on Commerce Street (at the intersection with Tallapoosa Street) in Montgomery.

Soldiers from Athens and Limestone County will be among those honored Monday in a ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 167th U.S. Infantry Regiment’s departure from Alabama to fight alongside the French in World War I.

The event is set for 5 p.m. at Montgomery’s Union Station. As part of the ceremony, a bronze sculpture of the Rainbow Soldier designed by acclaimed British sculptor James Butler, R.A., will be dedicated. Its counterpart stands in Fère-en-Tardenois in France.

The ceremony is free and the public is invited to attend.

The 167th

About 3,677 Alabamians comprised the 167th U.S. Infantry Regiment of the famous 42nd Rainbow Division. Known as “The Immortals,” the solders “were revered for their unwavering courage in the face of unrelenting enemy attack,” according to a press release from the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. “Their bravery in fighting alongside the French at the Battle of Croix Rouge Farm helped push back the Germans at the Ourcq River, one of the most critical points of the war.”

Success there came at a high price, as the Battle of Croix Rouge Farm remains the second deadliest battle in Alabama history.

“Those who survived were welcomed home to Alabama in May of 1919 with celebrations befitting their heroic status, but time has faded remembrance of their service and sacrifice,” the release said. “The statue to be dedicated on Aug. 28 will ensure these Alabamians will never be forgotten.”

About the sculpture

The sculpture is a gift to the City of Montgomery from the Croix Rouge Memorial Foundation made possible through Nimrod T. Frazer, a Montgomery-area business and community leader. He earned the Silver Star for his service in Korea, and has dedicated much of his life to educating the public about the 167th.

Frazer is the author of “Send the Alabamians: World War I Fighters in the Rainbow Division,” which tells the story of these soldiers. An excerpt from the book was published in The News Courier last November.

Locals who served

Limestone Countians who served in the 167th included the following:

• Ardmore: Pvt. 1st Class Nathan Brown, Pvt. Smith Campbell, Pvt. Carl Downing and Pvt. Ruby Downing;

• Athens: Pvt. Dewey Barber, Pvt. Elton Barksdale, Pvt. Luther Haggenmacker, Pvt. James T. Malone, Pvt. Jimmie Sanderson and Pvt. James Watkins;

• Belle Mina: Pvt. Corbet Mitchell;

• Elkmont: Pvt. Grover Everett; and

• Harvest: Pvt. James Brumley and Pvt. Kirby Cole.