Orange Beach Places Second Round of Engraved Bricks Honoring Veterans, First Responders

Orange Beach Public Works recently finished placing a second batch of commemorative bricks at the Orange Beach Veterans Memorial, adding to a growing tribute to local veterans and first responders. The bricks represent multiple branches of service, including the Coast Guard, Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force.

Those honored so far include veterans who served in Vietnam and World War II, current and former service members, and Orange Beach firefighters who have died. Families and friends have chosen the memorial as a lasting way to recognize their loved ones, and the program is open to all veterans and first responders — not only those who have passed away.

Gail Cole of Gulf Shores purchased a brick to honor her father, Robert Estes, for his service in the U.S. Army. She and her husband visited the memorial on Saturday, Aug. 8, to see the brick in place.

“My husband and I went to the Veterans Memorial Saturday, and it truly is a beautiful way to honor those who have served,” Cole said. “It’s such a well-thought-out design and layout. So impressive for anyone who visits. I’m so blessed to have my father remembered in such a beautiful Veterans Memorial.”

The Orange Beach Veterans Memorial sits in front of the Municipal Complex at 4101 Orange Beach Boulevard. A limited number of engravable bricks remain available for purchase; each four-by-eight-inch brick costs $200. Residents can request a brick through an online form on the city’s website or by picking up a paper form at Orange Beach City Hall, which can also be submitted to the Finance Department. Once a request is approved and paid, installation can take up to three months.

A third order of bricks is scheduled for placement on Aug. 20, with installation expected in late September.