Sign of support: Directional marker celebrates Phil Campbells

Photo by Bart Moss
Phils from all over the world continue to show support for Phil Campbell with this new directional marker.

By Bart Moss

For the FCT

People named Phil Campbell have been coming to the town that bears their name for several years. They have been grand marshals in parades, they have helped in the cleanup effort after the 2011 tornado, and they were featured in an acclaimed documentary, “I’m With Phil!” by Phil Campbell native Andrew Reed.

If it seems the Phils have become a part of the town’s identity, well, they have. Saturday they added their own mark on the town.

Phil Campbell from Birmingham and Phil Campbell from Tuscaloosa erected a directional sign in the town’s Memorial Park. The sign is fitted with mini directional signs that denote the direction and distance Phil and Phyllis Campbells have traveled to “their town.”

Some of the longer distances on the sign include Coffs Harbour in Australia (14,383 kilometers), Nottingham in England (6823 kilometers), Inverary in Scotland (6471 kilometers), London in England (6946 kilometers), Bendigo in Australia (15,380 kilometers), Bowral in Australia (14,778 kilometers) and Glasgow in Scotland (6531 kilometers).

“We are so pleased the Phils keep giving back to our town,” said Rita Barton, head of Parks and Recreation. “They have become like family to us. This sign is a testament to the commitment and ties they have to the town of Phil Campbell.”