(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to recognize and honor those individuals who are accredited or associated by birth to the State of Alabama who, through their conspicuous bravery and gallantry during wartime, and at considerable risk to their own lives, were made recipients of the Medal of Honor. In doing so, these members of our armed forces brought great credit upon themselves, their military units, and the State of Alabama.

(b)(1) There is hereby established an Alabama Medal of Honor Wall to honor recipients of the Medal of Honor at each state welcome center. The department shall, in consultation with the American Legion, designate an appropriate area at each welcome center on the border of the state for the placement of the plaques on the wall.

(2) Each recipient of the Medal of Honor who is a native of the state and resided in the state for 10 years or more, whether deceased or living, shall have a plaque or similar designation approved by the Department of Veterans' Affairs placed on the Medal of Honor Wall, which designation shall provide information regarding the Alabamian's particular act of heroism as well as other information relating to the nature of the act.

(3) Verification of residency, dates of the receipt of the award, and other specific information pertaining to each recipient shall be the responsibility of the Department of Veterans' Affairs, which shall certify eligibility for inclusion of individuals to be added to the Medal of Honor Wall.

(4) The cost of each Medal of Honor Wall shall be borne from annual appropriations from the Legislature to the department.