Dedicated November 11, 1986
Courthouse Square Wharton, Texas
The Wharton County Veterans Memorial was constructed to honor all veterans especially those Wharton County veterans who have given their lives in the service of our country.
The idea was originally conceived in 1985 through informal conversations of a small group of veterans. Their decision in connection with developing a memorial was clear: "Let's do it."
It was agreed that points of contact within the county should be through the American Legion Posts.
Support was immediate, with the exception of the El Campo Post, which at that time, had recently completed a memorial for their Post. This did not inhibit strong individual support, as time went on, by the veterans in West Wharton County.
The El Campo Leader News, the Wharton Journal-Spectator and radio station KULP in El Campo all became enthusiastic supporters of the project and provided valuable assistance in keeping the public and other veterans informed.
Among those attending the first called meeting of the Wharton County Veterans' Memorial Committee was a Viet Nam veteran, an architect, whose name is Ron Reel. Ron's inspiration inscribed on the Memorial and talent as an architect has made the Memorial a tribute to its supporters and to those veterans' honored.
The first group that met--all veterans- -unanimously agreed the project should be'completed using funds raised by the newly formed Committee and voluntary subscriptions.
ORGANIZATION
The Wharton County Veterans Memorial Committee was formalized by drafting a charter to establish a tax exempt, non-profit organization within the laws of the State of Texas. The office of the County Judge was appointed as the Office of Record of the organization. Offices for the Committee were duly elected and planning continued.
LOCATION
The Commissioners Court, at a regularly scheduled meeting, addressed a request from the Committee to locate the Memorial on the southwest corner of the Courthouse Square. This request was unanimously approved with encouragement to proceed. This approval is duly recorded in the minutes of the Commissioners Court.
RULES/ELIGIBILITY FOR NAMES ENGRAVED ON FACE OF MEMORIAL
Agencies in Washington, DC, were contacted for help and suggestions in construction of the Memorial and any rules governing the Memorial. As a result the Committee set two simple rules: 1) The veteran whose name is engraved on the face of the memorial must have been killed in action or died of wounds, and 2) the veteran must have entered the service from Wharton County.
The first rule was suggested to eliminate any possible discussion of how the name was declared eligible. The second rule was a necessity because of our mobile society.
The service record of every individual in the miliary services reflects his or her official home of record as stated by the service member. During the course of completing the memorial this rule was challenged and the rules accepted when the rational was explained to the sponsor.
FUND RAISING
Several means were used to raise funds. A flag platform was designed and completed with individual tiles of different sizes. The largest tiles, adjacent to the memorial are two by four feet (21 x 41), and the smallest, four by twelve inches (411 x 1211) on the outer boundaries. The cost of these tiles range from $5,000.00 to $75.00, with intermediate sizes and costs. Further details are provided on the enclosed application for a tile. '
Purchases of tiles by non veterans or organizations were solicited as well. Tiles purchased in the names of veterans are so designated by a star engraved above their names.
Individual fund raisers were sponsored by veterans and veterans organizations.
DEPOSITORY FOR FUNDS
Funds were originally deposited in accounts of the Wharton County Veterans Memorial. Free banking services were provided. More recently, with approval of the Commissioners Court, the County Treasurer and the County Auditor, the Veterans Memorial fund is deposited along with County funds and managed in accordance the laws governing County funds.
IN KIND SUPPORT
Cement for the foundation was provided by a local contractor. Electrical services were provided by local electric contractors free of charge. Plumbers volunteered their services in the connection of the gas line. The flame igniter is a jet engine starter fabricated by a NASA volunteer. Architectural and Construction Management Service were by Ron Reel. On request the Commissioners Court unanimously agreed to pay for the cost of gas to operate the igniter and the flame. This is duly recorded in the Court minutes. There were others who also gave of their time and services.
LOCAL MANAGEMENT
American Legion Post #226, East Bernard, Texas, has volunteered to accept responsibility for overall management of the Memorial from the Wharton County Veterans Memorial Committee. The Committee agreed to this change in order to provide continuity for general responsibility.
The Wharton Pilot Club has volunteered to plan the annual celebration for Veterans Day, November 11th, each year.
The location of the Memorial on the Courthouse Square and the County Treasurer serving as depositor for Memorial funds favor having a point of contact in the Courthouse to serve the people in Wharton County. It is suggested that the County Judge I s of f ice continue to be the contact point for purchasing of tiles.
SUMMARY
The Memorial was formally dedicated November 11, 1986.
One side of the Memorial is blank. It is every veterans prayer that it remain blank and the need to engrave the names of war dead will never happen. However, as time goes on, changes will surely occur and for this reason it is essential that a stable organization provide continuity in the supervision of this Memorial. American Legion Post #226, throughout the development and to this date, has provided that kind of support. They are to be commended and thanked for this service to the community, the county and to those who have given so much for their country.
Prepared by:
I. J. Irvin, Jr., Chairman,
Wharton County Veterans Memorial Committee,
September 7, 1998.
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