Even happier trails

Updating on last week's post on the connection between the Pinhoti and Appalachian trails.
The Anniston Star filled out the story Sunday with a pair of guest columns.
In one, Joe Cuhaj writes :

The year 1925 was a historic time for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in this country. An article written by a U.S. Forest Service employee, "An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning," was put into action. Benton MacKaye's vision was for a footpath that would travel the ridgelines of the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine, with an eventual extension into Alabama where the mighty mountains end.
Last Sunday, that dream was completed. More than 200 volunteers and elected officials gathered on a mountaintop in the Talladega National Forest to dedicate a bronze marker that commemorates the connection of Alabama and its Pinhoti Trail to the world-famous Appalachian Trail.

In the other column, Pete Conroy writes:

From those who have passed away loving trails to those like Anniston's little Lexie Weidner, who was there last Sunday celebrating her very first birthday and learning to love trails, let us all be proud of this accomplishment. Let's also commit to less talking and more walking, especially outdoors and right here in our own back yard on the Pinhoti Trail. In fact, to see what that brass plaque says, you'll just have to walk out and read it!
Something big happened last weekend. Forevermore, it's yours to enjoy.