Veterans
Memorial
Park
Memorial
Park
Veterans Memorial Park in Rolla Formally Dedicated
by Lois Ann Marler
(Published in The Kaleidoscope Weekly on Nov. 19, 2009)
It’s finally becoming a reality. On Veterans Day 2009, at exactly 11 a.m., veterans groups, elected officials and members of the public came together to dedicate Veterans Memorial Park, a memorial that will honor every branch of the military as well as veterans from every war in U.S. history. Rolla Mayor William Jenks, III, a U.S. Army veteran, welcomed the crowd, followed by the raising of the colors by Missouri S&T Army ROTC and the singing of the National Anthem by the Rolla High School Chamber Choir and Men of Song. A tribute to veterans by Fort Leonard Wood Brigadier General Bryan Watson followed an official ribbon cutting by the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce. Taps by Dave Cress, U.S. Army Retired First Sergeant, ended the ceremony. Timing for the event was equally special, occurring on the same date and at the same time as Armistice Day in 1918, which officially ended World War I. Development of the park, located on Southview Drive in Rolla, between Hwy. 72 and Winchester Dr., will take years to complete at a cost of thousands of dollars, most of which will come in the form of fundraisers, private cash donations and volunteer hours.
by Lois Ann Marler
(Published in The Kaleidoscope Weekly on Nov. 19, 2009)
It’s finally becoming a reality. On Veterans Day 2009, at exactly 11 a.m., veterans groups, elected officials and members of the public came together to dedicate Veterans Memorial Park, a memorial that will honor every branch of the military as well as veterans from every war in U.S. history. Rolla Mayor William Jenks, III, a U.S. Army veteran, welcomed the crowd, followed by the raising of the colors by Missouri S&T Army ROTC and the singing of the National Anthem by the Rolla High School Chamber Choir and Men of Song. A tribute to veterans by Fort Leonard Wood Brigadier General Bryan Watson followed an official ribbon cutting by the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce. Taps by Dave Cress, U.S. Army Retired First Sergeant, ended the ceremony. Timing for the event was equally special, occurring on the same date and at the same time as Armistice Day in 1918, which officially ended World War I. Development of the park, located on Southview Drive in Rolla, between Hwy. 72 and Winchester Dr., will take years to complete at a cost of thousands of dollars, most of which will come in the form of fundraisers, private cash donations and volunteer hours.
Former State Representative Bob May of Rolla shows his support for veterans at the dedication of Veteran Memorial Park. May served in the U.S. Navy from 1953-1957 as an electrician’s mate 1st class petty officer. He left the Missouri House of Representatives in 2009 due to term limits, serving the 149th district for eight years.
Two-year-old Lucy Conger of Rolla shows her support of veterans with her homemade sign that reads “Thank You, Veterans,” decorated with stars and hearts.
Veterans are never short on camaraderie. (Left to right): Jimmy Brown, former marine, member of Daniel O. Kennedy American Legion Post 270 and owner of St. James Flag Pole Company; U.S. Air Force Reserve (Retired) James Bickford; and retired Navy pilot Albert Holt, who served in World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars. “This will be one of the prettiest parks in town, and it’s for a good cause. It will relieve a little of the angst that Vietnam and Korean war vets experienced, unlike those of us who served in World War II. I think this will help all veterans,” Holt expressed.
Representative Dan Brown, a veterinarian from Rolla, addresses the crowd of approximately 300 at the dedication of Veterans Memorial Park in Rolla. “We stand here today, as citizens of a country that has maintained its liberties upon which it was founded more than 230 years ago,” Rep. Brown stated. Quoting Thomas Jefferson, he added: “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” Behind Brown stands a map of proposed park plans, which will be implemented over time.
(Left): Members of the Missouri S&T Army ROTC rehearse the raising of the colors prior to the park dedication. Holding lanyard are Rob Haines and Gavin Brawley as Jason Jaramillo and John Edwards watch.
Two veterans take a moment at the dedication of Veterans Memorial Park in Rolla to study the proposed plans, which will take years for implementation. Numerous veterans groups in Phelps County are seeking donations for park development.
Donations for the development of Veterans Memorial Park are currently being solicited by area veterans groups. Click here for the donation form. Contributions are tax-deductible.
For more information on Veterans Memorial Park, visit: South Central Region Veterans Group.
Entertainer
Lois Ann Marler
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