The Trail of Tears Commemoration Walk and Motorcycle Ride
WHEREAS, the State of Alabama is the home of nine recognized Indian tribes, whose traditions and heritage have greatly contributed to the culture and history of this state; and
WHEREAS, the Indian people of Alabama were subject to the Indian Removal Act of 1832, and were forced to leave on the “Trail of Tears;” and
WHEREAS, the Trail of Tears Corridor of North Alabama recognizes the J.C.S. Hood Route, which encompasses Ross’s Landing in Tennessee to Waterloo, Alabama; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama-Tennessee Trail of Tears Association held the first Trail of Tears Commemoration and Motorcycle Ride in 1993; and
WHEREAS, this Ride brings thousands of motorcycle riders and tourists to North Alabama to honor the hardships and sacrifices experienced through Indian Removal; and
WHEREAS, at this year’s event, there will be a commemorative walk at Waterloo, Alabama in which visitors will be allowed to see and walk on the path that the Indian people made as their forced journey to Indian territory began:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby commend
The Trail of Tears Commemoration Walk and Motorcycle Ride
on their 19th Annual Commemorative Ride.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 21st day of February 2012.
Governor Robert Bentley
Provided by the Office of the Governor of Alabama | governor.alabama.gov