The Rainbow Division Memorial Statue

The Rainbow Division Memorial Statue A century ago, 3,677 Alabamians left Montgomery’s Union Station to serve their country in World War I. James Butler's bronze Soldier now honors them there.

At 5 p.m. on August 28, exactly one hundred years to the day of their departure, a bronze sculpture of the Rainbow Soldier designed by world-renowned British sculptor James Butler, RA, will be dedicated in their honor in front of historic Union Station. These Alabamians comprised the 167th U.S. Infantry Regiment of the famous 42nd Rainbow Division, and their contributions in multiple battles were

vital to winning the war. 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. The sculpture is a gift to the City of Montgomery from the Croix Rouge Memorial Foundation made possible through the generosity of longtime community and business leader Ni**od T. Frazer, Silver Star recipient. A previous bronze casting of this Rainbow Soldier was inaugurated in France in 2011 in Fère-en-Tardenois, near Chateau-Thierry. It stands on the site of the Battle of Croix Rouge Farm. While those who survived the war were welcomed home to Alabama in May of 1919 with celebrations befitting their heroic status, time has faded remembrance of their service and sacrifice. The statue to be dedicated on August 28 will ensure these Alabamians will never be forgotten.

Please visit the Poppy Project!
05/25/2020

Please visit the Poppy Project!

A Prattville business owner used a famous literary poem to honor the fallen of all American wars in downtown.

11/10/2018
Wonderful exhibit and well deserved award! Congratulations!!!
06/16/2018

Wonderful exhibit and well deserved award! Congratulations!!!

Photo Credit: Carter Photography & Design
10/24/2017

Photo Credit: Carter Photography & Design

Photo Credit: Carter Photography & Design
10/24/2017

Photo Credit: Carter Photography & Design

On August 27, Montgomery business and community leader Ni**od T. Frazer received France’s highest national decoration, t...
08/30/2017

On August 27, Montgomery business and community leader Ni**od T. Frazer received France’s highest national decoration, the Legion of Honor during a special ceremony at Maxwell Air Force Base. France selected Mr. Frazer for his efforts to keep alive the memory of French and American soldiers who fought and died in World War I and for commissioning a memorial to the Rainbow Division near Chateau-Thierry gifted to the city of Fère-en-Tardenois in 2012. Mr. Frazer is among such Americans as President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Eleanor Roosevelt, Miles Davis and Barbra Streisand who have also been distinguished with the Legion of Honor.

Photo Credit: Carter Photography and Design

On August 27, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts hosted World War I and Memory, a discussion with James Butler, R.A., sc...
08/30/2017

On August 27, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts hosted World War I and Memory, a discussion with James Butler, R.A., sculptor of The Rainbow Soldier, and Ni**od T. Frazer, philanthropist. U.S. World War I Centennial Commissioner Dr. Monique B. Seefried served as moderator.

Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange invites all of Alabama to commemorate the legacy of The Immortals with us Monday.
08/25/2017

Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange invites all of Alabama to commemorate the legacy of The Immortals with us Monday.

A bit about the man who created the Rainbow Division Memorial Statue, James Butler RA.
08/22/2017

A bit about the man who created the Rainbow Division Memorial Statue, James Butler RA.

Sculptor: James Butler RA James Butler MBE R.A. Member of the Royal Academy of Art Member of the Royal West of England Academy Fellow of the Royal

Sculptor James Butler on his inspiration and process creating the memorial. "In the 42nd Rainbow Division memorial, my o...
08/21/2017

Sculptor James Butler on his inspiration and process creating the memorial.
"In the 42nd Rainbow Division memorial, my original idea was to portray the powerful bond between men on active service with a soldier carrying his dead comrade. However after working on the sculpture for some time the piece began to have a strong spiritual meaning for me."

Sculptor - James Butler, MBE R.A. The Inspiration What was your inspiration for this work? "I have made a number of statues with a military

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