HISTORY – VETERANS MEMORIAL PLAZA

The Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial located in Sun City, Georgetown, Texas was the concept created by a Sun City Texas Navy Veteran, Comdr. Robert Kelety, Retired, in early 2002.   The concept of the memorial was approved by the developer Del Webb with the stipulation that prior to construction the project was to be fully funded.

Through the efforts of a grass roots group of interested veterans, later to be known as the Veterans Memorial Advisory Group, the fund drive began.   Within one year sufficient funds were raised to begin construction.

A Sun City resident designed the 82 foot limestone memorial wall and incorporated the 16 foot memorial wall commemorating the 170 plus servicemen from Williamson County who gave their lives during WWI, WWII, Korean Way, Vietnam conflict, and the War on Terrorism.   The Memorial also honors our POW’s who endured horrific mental and physical hardships doing these conflicts.

At this time the Plaza contains over 2500 engraved bricks with the names of veterans from across the United States.   There are also engraved bricks commemorating military campaigns as well as States and US territorial possessions.   The Plaza is designed to accommodate additional engraved bricks for those wishing to recognize a veteran or unit.

The Plaza was constructed by the Sun City Community Association at no cost to the CA or residents of Sun City Texas, Georgetown and Williamson County.   Funding for the project was from sale of engraved bricks at $75 each and from major sponsors, i.e. local businesses and organizations in the Georgetown Williamson County area.   Remaining funds and on going brick sales are in a reserve account solely for maintenance and improvement of the memorial.

Policies governing the use of the plaza were developed by the VAMG and the Community Association and approved by the CA Board of Directors.

Initially there were two trees planted within the Plaza to honor the service of two special individuals: SFC Nathan Chapman was the first US Serviceman killed during the war in Afghanistan and the second tree honors Oliver Walcott, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who served in the Revolutionary Army.

In 2006 the VMAG in cooperation with the CA developed a plan to plant 15 Italian Cypress trees behind the memorial wall.   Thee trees along with a plaque may be purchased by individuals or groups to honor an individual veteran.

The Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza was officially dedicated on May 26, 2003.   Patriotic programs are scheduled each year on Memorial and Veterans Day as well as other appropriate occasions.