Oldest Civil Rights Foot Soldier George Sallie crosses bridge one last time

Meteorologists reported that a storm was brewing for Saturday morning. Perhaps, it was just the sound of a giant crossing over. 

George Sallie was just that — a gentle giant. The oldest living foot soldier crossed that bridge over troubled water for the final time on Saturday. Sallie, a 94-year-old walking, talking history book, was honored with horse and carriage over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, flanked by the rails that bridged the way for children, foot soldiers and community, as they crossed over with him.

The crowd gathered with umbrellas, ponchos and other weather gear. But the rain suddenly stopped. It was a beautiful day to acknowledge a beautiful spirit. The horse, carriage and his family crossed first, with young leaders directly behind them and with them. Freedom songs rang out. They reflected Sallie’s journey — the man who made it his business to journey to the bridge each day to greet Selma’s visitors with a smile, a very gentle handshake and valuable history lessons. It was also there that he prayed daily for the state trooper who beat him, leaving a scar where he would point to on his forehead. 

Selma’s Foot Soldier and founder of Foot Soldiers Park & Education Center Joanne Bland felt it her duty to be present. 

“I know the angels are singing right now,” she said with a smile. She continued to speak on her fellow foot soldier. “As a foot soldier, I felt it was mandatory that I walk across the bridge with Mr. Sallie for the last time. He was an amazing man, I loved him dearly. And just a walking history book. The world lost a library when he died, but he lived a wonderful life. He was the most giving and forgiving person I’ve ever known. God’s not through with me yet. I pray that I get what George Sallie got before he left.” 

Sallie impacted so many lives. He met no strangers. Patricia Taylor of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, traveled in on a charter bus with her church. “It was an awesome experience to be able to help send this gentleman home,” she said.

Family was everything to Sallie, so we spoke with four young family members who traveled from Montgomery: Cedric Wright, Trayvon Wright and Tyrone Johnson (great, great nephews) and Gavin Johnson (nephew). 

“Going across the bridge one last time with Uncle George was something, it was heartfelt,” said Cedric Wright. 

As Gavin smiled, Trayvon spoke of the mood the day put him in. “It was surreal going across the bridge one last time with him. It was something he and our family were always proud about—he was part of real history. He was part of the original group. It was just cool to be in his presence because he was like walking history.” 

Tyrone added, “It was a special moment [crossing over today] to cherish and see, and basically write about.

Speaking of young people, Sallie thoroughly enjoyed it when they gathered at the bridge to listen as he shared history with them. And, appropriately so, the first walking group behind his carriage line was a group of young people that has marked social justice as part of their mission—the National Youth Advisory Board of Foot Soldiers Park. They studied other parts of Sallie’s journey before arriving on Saturday for his crossing. They saw his fine lines, his scar, his hands and his eyes. So, they came bearing the banner that had been around for a while — more worn and well-traveled, with many stories in its creases — instead of bringing their brand new banner that was smooth, had traveled only once and was only months old. 

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They said they felt honored to make the crossing:

“It was such an honor to walk across with the very man that helped start it all. It was such an amazing privilege and honor,” said Micah Thomas Jr., a senior at Southside High School. 

Twins Carmen and Camron Benjamin, sophomores at Selma High School, agreed. “It was a great feeling to honor such a legend,” said Carmen. Camron stated that “it was a great feeling to be a part of this history and pay my respects to a fallen foot soldier.”  

“It was just an honor to honor the person who fought for us and prayed for us,” said Deanisea Sullivan, a junior at Selma High School. “It was a very, very powerful experience,” she added.

Taniya Dixon, 2023 Southside High graduate and University of Alabama freshman, said “it felt historical walking after someone who marched for my rights when they were younger. So, I paid my respects by doing it while I’m young.” 

The Sun spotted foot soldier Albert Southall, as he crossed the bridge back into Selma. 

“I’m an original foot soldier,” he said. “My feelings were bouncing between when we marched to Montgomery, and we had rainy, muddy weather—some really bad weather.  They gave us orange vests, and I think Mr. Sallie was one of the few foot soldiers that kept his vest. I was thinking about the trip and also counting my blessings.”

There were so many personal stories on the bridge Saturday morning. So many who had honorable stories about Sallie. So many remembered how he forgave and taught God and forgiveness.

“The fact that he would come to the foot of the Edmund Pettus bridge each day and pray for the state trooper that beat him on Bloody Sunday is a true testament to his character. He will be missed,” Joanne Bland said. 

The remains of a true hero, George Sallie, were lowered on Jan. 27 at or about 11:30 in the morning-time.