LIB'S LABYRINTH: Veterans War Memorial of Texas, McAllen, TX

VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL PHOTOS
DECEMBER 26, 2011

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Winter Texan Times Article

Marine officer standing at attention in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

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Date: Mon, 2 Jan 2012 11:28:06 -0600
Subject: Winter Texan Times -War Memorial Frank Plummer/ Serving Winter Texans From Mission To South Padre Island Since 1987 | Spire nears completion at Veterans War Memorial of Texas

Jan 2/2012 More on Col. Frank Plummer and his Memorial project.

Manong & Marilou

More News Local News Spire nears completion at Veterans War Memorial of Texas

Spire nears completion at Veterans War Memorial of Texas

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“There is nothing like this memorial anywhere else in the United States,” states Col. Frank Plummer, U.S. Air Force (Ret). Plummer has been the spokesman for the group of veterans that has been the life force behind creation of the Veterans War Memorial of Texas.

“Winter Texans tell me all the time they have traveled the country and not seen anything like it, even in Washington,” he added.

Currently, a 105-foot “American Spire of Honor” in the center of the Veterans War Memorial of Texas is nearing completion. The spire is a symbol of love and honor bestowed by this nation for the men and women killed in all wars.

The black granite spire with a stainless steel dome should be completed by December. Then the process of sandblasting names and laying the bricks on the ground surrounding the spire will begin. Plans are to dedicate the spire on Memorial Day.

The spire will be five-sided when completed, and will have the 50 states and their emblems around it. Brief summaries of the wars will also be engraved on the 17-foot high base. Granite walls near the base will have the names of people and corporations who supported construction of the memorial.

For the past 18 years Plummer, along with a group of very dedicated veterans and business corporations from McAllen, the Rio Grande Valley and state of Texas have worked to create a memorial to the men and women who have given their lives in the name of freedom for this country.

“We realized that the Rio Grande Valley is a very patriotic place. Almost every family had someone who served in the military at one time or another. Plummer pointed out that Mission, at the time a small town of 10,000, lost 41 “sons” during World War II. Plummer indicated that was a higher ratio than most other communities of similar size. Mission also lost 23 “sons” in Vietnam. Other Valley towns lost their young men in the conflicts as well.

As plans for the memorial began, the organizers realized they wanted it to be a teaching memorial. Future generations could come to the memorial and learn about past conflicts.

“We wanted to place a memorial here where so many families have sent sons to service and lost so many of them,” said Plummer. “We want their families to realize why they made the sacrifices.”

The memorial is in the shape of a circle and different arcs represent different conflicts: World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and another section representing “all other conflicts.”

“In all, America has lost 1.3 million men in wars since America became a nation. “I can’t even begin to wrap my mind around the enormous number of men and women who have given their lives to keep our freedom,” said Plummer. “Freedom is not free.”

The Civil War is included in the wars.

On Veterans Day, during the memorial service, the names and pictures of the four latest Valley casualties will be placed on the wall representing the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Their families will be honored as part of the tribute. The ceremony is at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.

Much of the ground-level memorial has been completed and visitors are welcome to walk around the grounds, circled by 50 flags for 50 states and see the granite walls explaining the conflicts and seeing the sculptures created by McAllen sculptor Douglas Clark.

“Douglas’ sculpture of the Medal of Honor winner throwing the grenade was an award-winner,” said Plummer. He also created the women of the armed forces, the sculpture of General James Hollingsworth who figured prominently in World War II and others. Plummer said more sculptures are planned as funds allow for creation.

Plummer said the memorial is coming to fruition because so many people and organizations have helped through dedication of funds. Local veterans groups from McAllen and surrounding Valley cities have been instrumental in funding the memorial. And the City of McAllen has provided the very valuable land located right next to the new McAllen Civic Center.

Plummer added that every penny received has been put into the memorial. Not one of the organizers has taken one cent for travel, phone calls or other personal expenses related to creation of the memorial.

“But we are running short on funds for completion,” he said.

Plummer urged families of veterans to purchase a brick in their name. Bricks still cost only $25 and honor the people who served in the military. Larger square pavers in the walkway are $265 and can be used to honor groups of soldiers, or families can honor veterans in their family. Benches can also be purchased for $1,500. Corporations wishing to assist with completion of the memorial can become sentinel guards with a granite marker and a flagpole.

Anyone wishing to can become a guardian of the spire with a donation of $100. Checks should be made payable to Veterans War Memorial of Texas/Spire and mailed to Col. Frank S. Plummer, 8609 N. Ware Road, McAllen, TX 78504. For additional information call 956-631-2511.