Rainbow Division Statue: A Tribute to Valor

Located in front of Montgomery's historic Union Station, the Rainbow Division Statue stands as a poignant reminder of the Alabamians who served in World War I. The statue, a bronze sculpture by British artist James Butler, portrays a soldier carrying a fallen comrade, embodying the themes of courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie. The statue commemorates the 3,677 Alabama National Guardsmen of the 167th Infantry Regiment, who left Montgomery's Union Station on August 28, 1917, to join the 42nd Infantry Division, known as the "Rainbow Division" due to its diverse composition of soldiers from across the United States. The 167th Infantry played a crucial role in several major operations, including Champagne-Marne, Oise-Aisne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne, distinguishing themselves at the Battle of Croix Rouge Farm. The statue is a replica of the Croix Rouge Farm Memorial in Fère-en-Tardenois, France, which honors the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Croix Rouge Farm. The Montgomery statue was inaugurated on August 28, 2017, marking the centennial of the 167th Infantry Regiment's departure for France. The memorial serves as a lasting tribute to the Alabamians who served in the Rainbow Division and the sacrifices they made during World War I.