Liberty County War Memorial Monument rededicated

The chiseled names of Cpl. William W. Partlow and 1st Lt. Nolan D. Pickett are separated by four inches on the Liberty County Veterans War Memorial Monument. They are nevertheless inseparable in their honor.

The theme of the May 25 rededication of the monument, which stands to the south of Liberty High Schools War Memorial Stadium, was the indissoluble union of the Supreme Sacrifice of all 126 service members inscribed on that wall and the cause of freedom for which they gave their lives.

Those 126 honored dead, and their fallen comrades, bequeathed liberty to generations, retired Army Lt. Col. Anthony Landry said in his rededication speech.

We are Americans, Landry said, and we do possess the priceless heritage of freedom.

A grateful community embraces those who shed blood for the endurance of that heritage.

My desire is that this monument stand, in a small way, as a symbol of the honor and gratitude that we owe to these fallen warriors, Liberty Mayor Carl Pickett said, before he read stirring letters from the uncle whose name is on that wall.

Dozier Partlow, whose uncles name appears above that of 1st Lt. Pickett, read the history of the memorial, which was built, along with the stadium, by the Liberty Lions Club. Liberty Lions Club President Brett Steed spoke of the monument as a part of a proud Lions tradition. The monument was dedicated in 1947.

A successful fundraising drive that was started in February paid for the beautifying landscaping, the completion of which inspired the monuments rededication.

The trees were removed from behind the monument, giving game-day spectators a clear view of the newly installed flag poles from which Old Glory, the Texas Flag and the POW/MIA Flag fly. Surrounding plants separate the monument grounds from the grassy open space. Ground lighting has been installed.

When the Star-Spangled Banner is played at football games, everyone has a place to turn and to reflect.

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Liberty County War Memorial Monument rededicated