The East Mississippi Veterans Park is undergoing a significant transformation, with work commencing on three distinct areas designed to honor and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the military. These areas will not only provide a place for reflection and remembrance but also serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of East Mississippi’s veterans and service members.

 

The Historic Freedom Timeline/Roadside Sign Wall

This wall will serve a dual purpose for the park. On the street side facing M Street, the park name, address and service emblems will be displayed identifying the park’s name and location when visitors come to the park. The park side of the wall will be covered in black granite panels that are inscribed and laser etched with a historical timeline about our state and nation, displaying twelve major conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terrorism. The wall will also have images of all the Presidents that have led our country from the beginning to present day. The Historic Freedom Timeline Wall will provide an educational and historical journey for visitors, offering insight into our nation’s history and significant military conflicts. It will also serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals to preserve the freedoms and values that we hold dear.

 

“This wall will be an educational classroom outside of the classroom” and “we truly hope that all area schools will take advantage of this wall of knowledge in teaching area students about American history,” Foundation President Jeff Summerlin said.

 

KC-135 Stratotanker Tail

The second area will be the vertical stabilizer or “Tanker Tail” from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft like currently flown by the 186th Air Refueling Wing, Meridian. Plans are to use one side of the tanker tail to highlight the Key Brothers and their world record endurance flight that took place in Meridian in 1935. The other side will reflect the current aircraft markings of one of the 186th aircraft.

 

The Armed Forces Plaza

The third area, the Armed Forces Plaza, will be opposite the Wall of Remembrance. These two areas together will be the heart of the East Mississippi Veterans Park. The Armed Forces Plaza will feature a bronze Eagle sculpture symbolizing the power and strength of the United States. The Eagle will be mounted on a four-sided pedestal that will feature facts and information about the Bald Eagle, the United States Flag, our nation’s National Anthem and the Great Seal of the United States.

 

The plaza will be a semi-circle with six freestanding monuments, one for each branch of our Armed Forces. Each monument will depict images about each branch of the military. Behind each monument will be the service branch’s flag. The design of the plaza will incorporate elements that symbolize strength, unity, and resilience, reflecting the qualities embodied by those who have served.

 

The area between the Wall of Remembrance and Armed Forces Plaza will be a gathering place for community events, ceremonies, and commemorations, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among visitors. It will also provide a serene and inviting space for individuals to reflect on the contributions of East Mississippi’s veterans and service members.

 

Summerlin said he wants the park to become a place where the service and sacrifice of East Mississippi veterans can be remembered and recognized for years to come, as well as an inspiration for others to celebrate the impact veterans have had in their lives as well.

 

“Thanks to state Sen. Jeff Tate and state Rep. Billy Adam Calvert for their efforts during the 2024 legislative session for securing funds from the state of Mississippi so that the East Mississippi Veterans Foundation can make these additions. With their support and that of the state of Mississippi, the Veterans Park is much closer to completion,” he said.

 

Ongoing future additions will include a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a UH-1 Huey Helicopter and a quarter- mile walking path around the entire park.

 

“It is our goal with this veteran’s park in our community, that area residents and visitors alike find a space that not only serves to commemorate all the service members and veterans, but also serve as an educational resource for future generations,” Summerlin said. “The park’s design elements, from the detailed historical freedom timeline to the majestic bronze Eagle sculpture to the Wall of Remembrance, aim to instill a sense of pride and gratitude for the contributions of our military heroes.”

 

For more information about the East Mississippi Veterans Park, the foundation or how to get involved, visit emsvf.org.