TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Student Bar Association (SBA) of The University of Alabama School of Law will officially dedicate a new flagpole at the school Friday, March 21, at 3 p.m.

The SBA, under the leadership of Rusty Henry of Selma, SBA president, donated the flagpole to the UA Law School last fall.

“The SBA wanted to give something back to the Law School for providing its students with an excellent legal education and the means to make a good living,” Henry said. “We felt a flagpole was an especially fitting gift. It is a symbol of our American way of life that the legal profession protects. It will also stand as a permanent symbol of our gratitude to the Law School,” he commented.

Henry, who is currently a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, also wanted to honor the men and women of the Law School who have served their country, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice.

During the dedication ceremony, which takes place during Law Week at the Law School, Henry will be dressed in his military uniform as a plaque is placed. The flagpole flies both the national and state flags.

UA Law School Dean Ken Randall said, “The flagpole is a gift that is much appreciated by all at the Law School. It is also a gift for the citizens of Tuscaloosa since it is now a prominent part of the landscape on Bryant Drive.”

Immediately following the ceremony, some 50 law students will participate in the traditional “Race to the Courthouse.” Each year on the final day of Law Week, students run from the UA Law School to the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. This year, the students will follow an ambulance.