The commission shall establish, operate, and maintain a state memorial park to honor the Alabamians who participated in all armed conflicts of the United States, which shall be under the exclusive management and control of the commission as a separate agency of the state government. The principal purpose and function of the commission shall be to acquire, transport, berth, renovate, equip, maintain, and exhibit the Battleship USS Alabama and such other military artifacts and educational exhibits as deemed appropriate by the commission to effectively represent the veterans of all branches of the United States Armed Services in all conflicts and educate the public on their contributions and sacrifices as a permanent public memorial.