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Military memorial dedication set for Memorial Day

Fri, 05/25/2018 - 4:58 pm

Something that has been 40 years in fruition in Eugene Weldon’s mind is coming to fruition Monday evening.

Cornerstone Military Memorial for those who have served and not come home from serving in the military is having its grand opening on Memorial Day, May 28, at 6:45 p.m. Weldon, pastor of Christian Missions in Jacksboro, and a number of people have been working on the memorial for years, putting their time and effort into the project. Weldon noticed even as a teenager that there was no memorial in place for the military and he started to begin the long process of getting that accomplished.

He said the process has been a long one but very fulfilling.

““It’s better than I thought it would be. Simply unreal,” Weldon said. “Lots of people have been helping and I’m truly grateful.”

An hour-long ceremony is planned with David Barton emceeing the event. Keynote speaker is State Senator Brian Birdwell, who lost his entire staff at the Pentagon during the 9-11 attacks. Birdwell was critically wounded and severely burned. Of the burns that covered more than 60 percent of his body, nearly half were third degree in severity. 

Today, following 39 operations, months of hospitalization and numerous skin grafts, Brian has made a miraculous recovery. Despite physical limitations, he testifies not only to his physical healing, but the ultimate miracle of grace through Christ. 

He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received that day. Upon retirement in July 2004, he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

Also expected is a visit from a living member of the Lost Battalion, a group of Jack County soldiers who were lost for a time in Japan during World War II. As a memory of all the Lost Battalion soldiers, three World War II planes are expected to fly over during the ceremony.

Bricks are still able to be purchased to honor a loved one lost at a cost of $100 with all proceeds going toward maintaining of the memorial. All donations and love offerings toward the memorial are still being gladly accepted as well.

The memorial is located just west of the Jacksboro Chamber of Commerce office on South Knox Street.