Push To Remove Confederate Monument in Albertville

The focus of controversy around the country - and right here in north alabama.

Protestors across the region -- calling for the removal of confederate monuments.

Tonight in marshall county - a resolution was presented to the albertville city council to remove the confederate flag and monument from outside the county courthouse.

Waay 31's max cohan was there and joins us live after hearing what people had to say...max?

Dan, this monument has been a hot topic for well over a month now -- with demonstrations back in september requiring law enforcement intervention.

Tonight, people were calm -- but still divided over whether or not the confederate symbols belong here.

"if nikki haley could do it, ole miss could do it, nascar could do it and the us army could do it, we could do it."

The confederate monument that stands in front of the marshall county courthouse in albertville has residents split.

Some say the monument represents southern heritage.

"i cherish that heritage and our history and that's why i'm here today to try to protect it."

While others call it a symbol of white supremacy and say it needs to go.

"we recognize that this is some people's heritage, it's just not a heritage that should be recognized in front of our courthouse that's supposed to stand for justice for all."

Unique dunston is the leader of say their names alabama -- the group that's been working to have the flag and monument moved for several months.

She says they're hoping the city council will consider urging the county commission to take down the monuments.

But some in the crowd said that the council needs to listen to citizens -- especially those with ancestors who served the confederacy -- before making a decision... "they haven't come out to speak yet, but i have a feeling they're going to come out and speak because we're being ramrodded, we're being forgotten, our own citizens in this county are being thrown under the rug and i think maybe after this week you're going to be hearing from some folks."

Now the alabama memorial preservation act requires that local governments get permission from the state before moving historic structures if they have been around for more than 40 years.

If they don't - they can face a $25,000 fine.

The monument that stands outside the courthouse was erected in 1996 - meaning it could potentially be moved without a fine.

Live in albertville, max cohan, waay 31 news.

Thanks max... members of the city council said they needed time to think about adopting the resolution before making a decision.

They did not say when a decision could be expected .

People across north alabama are looking for the same result seen in madison county.

Last week - their confederate monument was moved to the maple hill cemetary.

We know the move cost more than 33-thousand dollars - which the city of huntsville offered to cover.

In florence -- activists want the statue outside the lauderdale county courthouse moved.

Protestors have called for the removal for 5 months now.

A few weeks ago the city of florence sent the lauderdale county commiission a resolution that asked the county for permission to come onto their property and relocate the monument.

The county commission has not responded.