On Friday, November 11, 2011, at 4:00 p.m., the public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony of the long-awaited Veterans Memorial which is located adjacent to the new Rockwall County Courthouse at 1111Yellowjacket Lane. The memorial project has been a joint effort of the Rockwall County Commissioners Court, the American Legion, and additional veteran and citizen volunteers. View your invitation HERE.
An advisory committee consisting of veterans and interested citizens advised the Commissioners Court on the scope and placement of the memorial as well as the theme and purpose.
The memorial, which was designed by Dan Fletcher of SHW Architects, will give Rockwall County citizens and visitors a place to pay homage and respect to the men and women who have served to protect our rights and freedoms.
“The memorial represents the loss of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom,” said Mr. Fletcher.
The Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony will feature a flyover of antique war planes; presentation of colors by the Tri-County Veterans Honor Guard; participation by the American Legion Post 117; and performances by the Rockwall Children’s Chorus. In addition, guest speakers will include U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall and Rear Admiral Robert Smith. Citations will be presented in honor of several local fallen heroes including Jerrod Osborne.
Following the dedication of the Veterans Memorial, there will be a ribbon cutting and Open House for the new Rockwall County Courthouse beginning at 5:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the Veterans Memorial Dedication and the Courthouse Grand Opening will be held at the RHS Performing Arts Center at Utley, located just across the street at 1201 T.L. Townsend Drive, and the New Courthouse Opening will be held inside the new courthouse.