DECEMBER MONTHLY COLUMN: Alabama Day

205 years ago, our great state was admitted as the 22nd state in the United States.

On this 205th birthday, also called "Alabama Day," I wanted to take time to brag on a few highlights of Alabama's 205 years.

On December 14, 1819, Alabama was officially named a state during a constitutional convention held to organize the state government under the first Governor of Alabama, William Wyatt Bibb. President James Monroe then signed Alabama into official statehood. After making some rounds across the state, the Capitol finally found its permanent home in Montgomery where my friends in the state legislature are serving our great state today.

Alabama has a fascinating history, from its early pioneers to its current NASA engineers, our state continues to lead the nation on multiple fronts. I am honored to call it home.

Many of our nation's greatest traditions and holidays-such as Veterans Day and Mardi Gras started in Sweet Home Alabama. Contrary to popular belief, Mardi Gras was born in Mobile, not New Orleans, Louisiana, because Mobile was the central sight of French exploration in the Americas starting in 1699. The city now boasts the crucially important Port of Mobile, which plays a critical role in maintaining our state's supply chain and supporting the Gulf industry. Every year, billions of dollars and thousands of jobs are flow through the busy port.

In 1947, Birmingham was home to the first-ever Veterans Day celebration, when a World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks organized an event to honor all who had bravely served in our military. His efforts sparked the conversation for an annual holiday, that we now recognize every year on November 11.

Alabama's influence is evidenced in other parts of history as well. The Tuskegee Airmen from Alabama made history in World War II as America's First Black Aviators. The talented airmen had one of the lowest loss records of all escort fighter groups and were in high demand by the allied bomber units because of their success. Most notably, the 332nd Fighter group, commonly known as 'Red Tails,' destroyed three German jet fighters, damaged five more, and discovered a German destroyer on the coast of Italy-saving countless lives in the process. Their courageousness put small-town Alabama on the map, and their legacy stands as a testament of selfless devotion to country.

Alabama's contributions to our military and national defense do not end there. I am particularly proud of Huntsville, which has become ground zero for space exploration. In the 1950s, a German man named Wernher von Braun settled in Huntsville and wanted to showcase rocket development and testing. From there, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center was born that led the way to discovering the next great frontier. Thanks to Army's Redstone Arsenal and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville is now one of the premiere hubs for space and defense technology.

Not only is Alabama on the frontlines of national security, but food security as well. Dothan is hailed as the "Peanut Capital of the World," with nearly a fourth of our nation's peanut exports coming from Alabama's Wiregrass region. Our state also helps lead the way in other key ag areas such as cotton, corn, catfish, and broilers, ensuring millions of Americans can put healthy food on the table for their families.

If it's not already clear how amazing our state is, here's some Alabama trivia to end on: Hank Williams, Nat "King" Cole, Cher and Lionel Richie-some of America's most famed musicians-call our state home. Other famed Alabamians include Willie T. Mays, Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Helen Keller, Octavia Spencer, Courtney Cox, and many more. What else makes the state unique? Alabama is the most biodiverse state east of the Mississippi River with 64 types of terrestrial ecosystems. From celebrities to its landscape, Alabama is truly one of a kind.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention sports, which brings us all together every weekend. Whether you don orange and blue or crimson and white, sports are a major economic driver in our state. The SEC is headquartered in Birmingham – and the Iron Bowl is one of the most-watched games every season. Our basketball footprint continues to grow too. Just recently, it was announced that Birmingham will once again host the first and second rounds of March Madness in 2028. As a former coach, I know firsthand the important role sports can play in education and bringing people together.

The Yellowhammer State is undeniably a special place. On this "Alabama Day" I am reminded of the honor it is to represent Alabamians and hope everyone takes some time to reflect on how wonderful it is to call Alabama home.