By james art 
There’s a new Vulcan statue in town wearing a cap and rugby shirt.
Last week, the 18th Volcanoes on Parade statue was unveiled at 4525 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242.
Made possible by long-time president and current treasurer of Birmingham Vulcans Rugby Club Michael Laney, the statue celebrates the sport of rugby in Birmingham
“I’m proud to be from Birmingham and love taking visitors to Vulcan Park and Museum to show them around. I’m also proud of how the city gets behind its Birmingham Vulcans (men’s), Birmingham Steel (women’s) and youth rugby teams.
The ‘With You’ statue is a way to support the not-for-profit Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham Rugby Club Foundation and to show the community’s pride in all eleven companies in this building on Valleydale Road.”
Michael Laney
Vulcan depicted as a rugby player
Shades Valley High School art teacher Ashley Culwell painted the statue depicting Vulcan as a rugby player.
Lani told Bham Now that the words “With you” have a special meaning for people who play one of the most popular sports in the world.
“The phrase ‘with you’ has a special meaning for every rugby player in every country in the world. It also extends beyond the rugby community. On the field, “with you” actually means I’m here if you want to pass me the ball or if you need me to step in and defend you after you’re attacked.
Off the field, “with you” means so much more. That means I’m here to help you find a job. I’m here to stitch you up at halftime. I am here to help you with a death in your family. I’m here to watch your kids while you go through cancer treatment. The list is truly endless.”
Michael Laney
Tribute to Birmingham Vulcans Rugby
In addition to the statue, a water element has been added.
If you are curious why the statue has the name Krebs and the number six on the back, Tom, Paul, Chris, Van, Mark and the late Eddie Krebs were the 6 brothers who founded the club in 1967.
The public is welcome to visit the new Vulcan.
History of Vulcans on Parade
Since 2015, the public art project Vulcans on Parade, organized by the Vulcan Park & Museum Junior Board, has placed 18 miniature replicas of Birmingham’s Vulcan across the city and even across the UK.
“Since 2015, Vulcans on Parade has brought the community together to celebrate Vulcan heritage through vibrant public art. With each statue, including the newest addition, With You, we encourage a shared appreciation of this iconic symbol in ways that connect us all.”
Cynthia Cardona, President and CEO of Vulcan Park & Museum
How to participate in Vulcans on Parade
Community members and organizations/businesses are welcome to support Vulcans on Parade by sponsoring and hosting one of the statues. Visit the Vulcans on Parade website to learn how to participate.
In the meantime visit the new Vulcan for rugby on Valleydale Road.
What do you think of the newest “Vulcan” on the parade? Let us know on social media what you think of the latest addition by tagging us @bhamnow!