by Haley Baker

HUNTSVILLE-  An unwanted statue to honor our nation's veterans could find a home in Huntsville.

A Massachusetts family donated a granite statue depicting an American Solder in uniform standing in front of the American flag  to the town of Swampscott, Massachusetts. 

However, after the historical society and city planners got involved, they couldn't decide where to put the monument.  There was also controversy about the monument not being consistent with other monuments representing past military conflicts.  The story hit national news and Huntsville city leaders caught wind of it and are vying to get the monument. 

Mark and Debra Blain own Fireplace Mantel Etc. in Millbury, Massachusetts. Now the couple is trying to find another city that is deserving of the nearly $20,000 monument.  "It was unbelievable.  I couldn't believe it.  We were so disheartened over this controversy because we were trying to do something good," said Debra.

Huntsville is just one of nearly 50 cities that are vying to get the granite monument after seeing the story on the news.  "It's amazing that a community decided it didn't fit in, well, it fits here in Huntsville, Alabama.  We have had countless citizens serve honorably in all armed services.  This would be a great tribute to those in the community," said Mayor Tommy Battle.

Huntsville City officials are sending in a site proposal to the Massachusetts family.  They are also going to launch a website Thursday for residents to sign.  They want the community to get involved in trying to help get the monument in Huntsville.  The company says it will make a decision sometime in September.