There’s certainly no shortage of heroes in our area. The Chattahoochee Valley is full of active servicemen and military veterans who have given up the their freedom, and sometimes their lives, defending our country. You’d be hard-pressed to find a local family that hasn’t been touched by the sacrifice and courage of our soldiers.

The National Infantry Museum has a great way to honor those brave souls.

In 2010, my grandfather, James D. Talley Sr., celebrated his 90th birthday. My family decided that the best gift we could offer our patriarch would be something that celebrated his service in World War II. We chose to immortalize our Paw-Paw’s legacy with something really special: A Heritage Walk Paver.

The National Infantry Museum offers a program in which a soldier can have their name and memory of their service engraved in a granite paver and then placed in the Heritage Walk the rounds the museum. The paver costs $250 and comes with a small replica paver This is the perfect way to show the pride we feel for those who have given up so much to protect so many.

There’s a special stretch of exhibits at the National Infantry Museum. Once you make your way past the Romanesque pillars and the massive bronze commemorative statue at the entrance, and pass into this “temple of the soldier,” right before you you’ll see an inclined pathway.

The slope leads you up, but also takes you back in time through a rich military history.

The “Last Hundred Yards” exhibit is a celebration of the heroics of our nation’s infantry. The name is a reference to how these foot soldiers clear out the final line of enemies in battle.

As you make your ascent, you’ll come across dioramas showing some of the great battles of our country’s history, from the American Revolution to the current War in Iraq. The figures in the exhibit are not merely mannequins, but rather casts of active duty soldiers. From antique muskets to state-of-the-art tanks, the displays throughout are genuine, as is the admiration for the bravery of the Infantry.

In 100 yards, we commemorate over 200 years of courage and sacrifice.

This Sunday, civilians will have the opportunity to take a tour of some of Fort Benning’s historic homes. Fort Benning soldiers and their families are opening their homes to the public for the 2nd Tour of Homes, a fundraising event for the Fort Benning Spouses Club. Ten homes are included on the tour, including the Commanding General’s Riverside.

Tickets are $10. The proceeds from the day will toward scholarships and grants.

The Tour of Homes will be held tomorrow, March 25, from 1-4 P.M.