Fitting Tribute To Veterans From Sun City Texas Retirees
The active adult community, Sun City Texas, has a large number of residents who are veterans of America's wars. It is only fitting that a Veterans' memorial be built and placed in Sun City.
The Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial located in Sun City was the concept in 2002 of Sun City resident and retired Navy Commander, Robert Kelety. His thoughts for a memorial were to honor those men and women who have served or are serving in our military forces. The developer, Pulte Homes/Del Webb, approved the concept of the memorial with the stipulation that it was to be fully funded prior to construction.
Through the efforts of a grass-roots group of interested veterans--later to be known as the Veterans Memorial Advisory Group (VMAG)--the fund drive began. Within one year, the group had raised sufficient funds and construction began.
A Sun City resident designed the 82-foot limestone memorial wall structure. He likewise included the 16-foot memorial wall commemorating the 170-plus military service members from Williamson County who gave their lives in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam conflict and the War on Terrorism.
The flags of the United States of America and Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine fly over the memorial. These flags are lighted and fly 24 hours-a-day. The memorial also recognizes our POW's who endured horrific mental and physical hardships during these conflicts.
Currently, the plaza possesses approximately twenty-seven hundred engraved bricks with the names of veterans from throughout the USA. There are customized bricks commemorating military campaigns along with all 50 states and U.S. territorial possessions. The plaza is made to accommodate many other personalized bricks for anybody wanting to acknowledge a veteran or unit.
The plaza was constructed by the Sun City Community Association at no cost to the Community Association, its residents, the City of Georgetown or Williamson County. Capital for the venture originated from the sales of engraved bricks at $75 each and additionally from primary sponsors (local companies and organizations from the Georgetown and Williamson County region). Residual cash and continuing brick profits are available in a reserve account entirely for upkeep and upgrading of the memorial.
Initially, two trees were planted within the plaza to honor the service of two special individuals. SFC Nathan Chapman was the first U.S. service member killed during the war in Afghanistan. The second tree honors Oliver Walcott, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who served in the Revolutionary Army.
The Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza was officially dedicated on May 26, 2003. Patriotic programs are scheduled each year on Memorial and Veterans Day as well as other appropriate occasions.
Accessible to the general public, the yearly Memorial Day Ceremony is in memory of the women and men who've served or maybe are serving in our armed forces. Each year a distinguished dignitary is guest public speaker at the Veterans Memorial Plaza. The 36th Infantry Division Band of the Texas Army National Guard performs favorite music. Wreaths are laid at both the Memorial Wall and also the Williamson County Memorial Wall to recognize all those who have stepped forward to protect our liberty followed by a reception on the Social Center patio and garden soon after the ceremony.
You can visit the Memorial at any time as it is open to the public. It is a beautiful tribute to our service men and women. Oh, and don't forget the service dogs who work alongside our service men and women and help locate explosives, work diligently in search and rescue, and help rehabilitate service men and women returning with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Fly your American flag proudly on Memorial Day and support Dog Bless You in the non-profit organization's effort to help our troops. For every 5000 "Likes" on Facebook, they will gift a dog to a soldier living with PTSD. Help a returning soldier every day of the year with the love and devotion of a service dog!
Before retirement, make sure you check the Texas Hill Country, specifically Georgetown and Sun City Texas Attractions. You don't want to miss seeing the Veterans Memorial in Sun City Texas, the golf courses, Georgetown restaurants and even the Organic Gardens!
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