Page 11 - Veterans' Issue

By Danny Combs

Chairman - Kerens Veterans Memorial
Few things stir emotion in patriotic Americans as this piece are the men and women who helped
much as the sight of the American flag waving in a support all phases of the war effort.
gentle breeze while the National Anthem is being Topping this piece off is a 4’ tall bronze WWII era
played. Patriotic Americans also understand that “Fallen Soldier” statue.
sacrifices must be made to preserve the liberties
and freedoms which we, as Americans, enjoy every Also included with in the walls of the Memorial
day. Sadly, some pay the ultimate sacrifice so that are a Vietnam statue and a similar Middle East war
others may continue to enjoy these liberties and statue.
freedoms. No tribute is too great, no thank you is The donations given along with invaluable
enough to bestow upon the men and women who equipment loaned for use within the Memorial and
wear the uniforms of our military. It is this feeling also its annual Red Brick Classic car show fundraiser
of patriotism and the love of our Veterans which have been nothing short of extraordinary. The
instilled the desire in the citizens of a small, poor Kerens Veterans Memorial was dedicated on May
farming community to build a memorial to honor 30, 2016, with State Senator Brian Birdwell as the
the men and women who have served and are guest speaker. Senator Birdwell was a Colonel in the
serving in our nation’s military. U.S. Army and was severely injured when terrorists
flew a plane into the Pentagon. Thankfully for
Farming has always played a large part of Kerens’ himself, his wife Mel, the citizens of the State of
history, and so has patriotism. In 2012 a committee Texas and for our nation, he survived his injuries.
led by myself started the task of designing, raising We feel very blessed for having Senator Birdwell
the funds and building an extraordinarily beautiful join us for the dedication of our Memorial. To
Veterans Memorial to pay special tribute to the find more information
large number of the area’s citizens who served to and view many pictures
defend our nation’s liberties. It is said that at one of our memorial, please
time Kerens was the smallest town in the state go to Kerens Veterans
of Texas with its own National Guard Armory. Memorial on Facebook.
It is also said that the reason for Kerens having
the armory was because of the unusually high Hopefully you will have
percentage of its citizens to serve in the military. the desire to visit our little
Within the walls of the Memorial are five 4’ x 6’ town and tour The Kerens
black granite monuments which have the names Veterans Memorial.
of over nineteen hundred area residents who have
served our nation.
With a sixteen foot star
for a centerpiece, the
monument is topped
with a black granite
shaped pentagon which
pays tribute to the 36th
and 49th divisions
which were the primary
units for the Kerens
area. Also honored on

VETERANS ISSUE 11