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Memorial to veterans gets boost
April 21, 2005
by John Fee for The Bartlett Express Online
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Ron Lollar (left to right) looks over the names already purchased for bricks at the Veterans Vision Memorial with Louis Vaden, a past commander of American Legion Post 249. David Tucker (in back), Post 249 service officer, finishes paperwork on bricks sold. The dinner helped raise funds for the memorial. Photo by John Fee |
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"Everyone who passes through this city will know we honor those who served."
With these words, Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald set the tone for an evening of recognizing our veterans and raising funds for the Veterans Memorial Vision. The project will expand the current memorial at W.J. Freeman Park on Bartlett Boulevard to include monuments to Bartlett's Medal of Honor awardees, and inscribed bricks purchased to honor veterans.
"We have pledged not a penny will come from public money," said Jay Bowen, American Legion district commander and Post 249 commander. "We will not break ground until we have $60,000," he said of the total cost of the memorial.
Vernon McGarity, Bartlett resident and World War II veteran, led the Pledge of Allegiance. He was recognized, along with fellow Medal of Honor recipient Walker K. Singleton who was killed in action while serving in Vietnam. Special recognition was also given to Bartlett resident Brandon Burns, who was recently injured while serving as a Marine in Iraq.
Support for the troops was echoed throughout the Friday, April 15 dinner. It was the first event held at the Bartlett Station Municipal Center, former location of Bartlett Baptist Church on Stage Road.
"Whether you support the war or not, we always support the troops," said Tennessee American Legion Commander Lee Buchschacher, master of ceremonies.
Marine, actor, composer and Bartlett resident Red West spoke of the American commitment to freedom.
"It's hard to stand here, knowing what's going on," West said. "It seems as if every generation has to build one of these monuments. Wouldn't it be nice if we didn't have to build one?"
West added, "This country will see the world stays free, at all costs."
Tennessee Commissioner of Veteran's Affairs John A. Keys was one of the featured speakers. An army veteran, who served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star, Keys is in close contact with our troops fighting terrorism today, and commented on their reactions.
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A table is set for one in remembrance of American POWs and MIAs. Photo by John Fee
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"Their spirit is high," he said of the wounded troops with whom he has spoken. "They want to get back to their unit and complete their mission."
Keys implored people to support the Veterans Memorial Vision project and to encourage others to join in the effort to "honor those to whom much honor is due."
Navy veteran Larry Scroggs spoke of "veteran's values," which he said include knowledge, competence, responsibility, loyalty, courage, duty, sacrifice and honor.
Speaking of the veterans who face adversity, Scroggs said, "They were ordinary men and women that exemplified extraordinary things." He added, "They were able to lift their sights from themselves and gain a larger vision."
State Representative Tre Hargett spoke of the sacrifices of veterans. |
"They have all put the country above their own needs," he said. "We must never forget the courage of our military who have given us every hour of freedom that we enjoy."
State Senator Mark Norris said it's important to record the history of veterans. He talked of his father, who piloted B-24 Liberator bombers during World War II, and of piecing together the record of his service.
Norris encouraged support of the memorial and said it is "putting together a record for future generations."
McDonald purchased a brick in honor of his father-in-law, World War II Navy veteran Warren G. Pattison Sr. He said he was purchasing the brick to "lead by example, not for show."
Bowen reminded the audience, "Just think, one of these days you can drive past the monument and think, 'I had a part in that.'"
After the event, Bowen commented, "I can't express enough appreciation of the Mayor's vision and leadership on this." He added, "It's going to be something the city of Bartlett can be proud of."
Committee chair David Horne said he thought the event went well.
"It's given a shot in the arm (for the effort) for what veterans mean to us."
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