Fundraising efforts for the Central Texas Veterans’ Memorial got a kick start at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Friday. Dr. Steve Kelly made a presentation explaining the plans for the memorial and the history behind those who are to be honored.
The memorial will be a 75-foot diameter circle of 11 granite tablets honoring all veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and the“Fighting” 36th Infantry Division; “Texas Division”; Texas National Guard; Camp Bowie; Major General Fred L. Walker; Corporal Charles E (Commando) Kelly “The One Man Army”; The Lost Battalion, Java; and The Lost Battalion, Vosges Mountains, France.Kelly showed a brief portion of a war documentary to outline the hardships and sacrifice of many of the troops who fought in Europe during World War I and II. He spoke of the lives lost and how current generations need to be reminded of the sacrifices made by past generations fighting for freedom we enjoy today.
“There were 259 casualties from Brown County during wars from World War I to present,” explained Kelly. “Of those 198 were in World War II, that’s 1 fatality per week for three years.” He explained that there were three local casualties since the terror attacks in 9/11 and how hard these recent losses have been during the past several years, asking the audience to imagine how terrible that loss of 1 troop per week had to have been on the community during World War II. “People have forgotten, we need to be reminded,” he stated.
The memorial has been a vision since the mid-40s and efforts were revived in 1998; however, Kelly explained that three huge fundraising events had been rained out over the years. The current fundraising campaign and its organizers have decided to make the memorial a reality and have borrowed funds to get it started. He stated, “In military terms, this loan is the equivalent of blowing up the bridge behind us.”
Kelly explained that eight of the granite tablets for the memorial are completed. The memorial will also feature an 850-foot walking trail.
Although any donation is greatly appreciated, those donating $5,000 or more will receive a numbered, custom Central Texas Veterans’ Memorial Commemorative Bowie knife. Dr. Kelly is pictured above speaking at the luncheon, describing and showing the commemorative knife.
Donations are tax deductible and may be sent to Central Texas Veterans’ Memorial, Citizens National Bank, P.O. Box 1629, Brownwood, TX 76804
