JACKSON DEDICATES WAR MEMORIAL TODAY

JACKSON -- A brief sunset ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. today to dedicate the Brookside Park Memorial to veterans of all wars.

The twilight dedication was selected so the public can view the open air chapel's subtle lighting which illuminates black granite panels on which are engraved the names of American veterans, living and deceased, who have served their country.

During the dedication, the memorial's trustees and committees will formally present the completed memorial to the City of Jackson.

The presentation will be made to Mayor Paul Sander and Park Board President Steve Popp. The memorial's trustees and committee members are all members of the Jackson VFW Post 10495 and Auxiliary.

The program will conclude with the playing of Taps and a recording of the 21-gun salute from John F. Kennedy's funeral.

Throughout the day, the American flags of deceased veterans will be on display around the memorial.

The memorial is located on a scenic, terraced grassy knoll in the 40-acre park, located behind the Brookside Motel on Highway 61 North.

As the name implies, the memorial honors all veterans, living or deceased, of all wars that America has fought since the American Revolution, and those who served in the armed forces in peace time.

Gwen Winningham, originator of the project and a member of the memorial's board of trustees, says the memorial is a way for Americans to say "thank you" for the sacrifice that veterans have made since this country was founded.

"This is a people memorial. It honors the men and women who have put their lives on the line, fulfilling their commitment to their country at home, or overseas, during war time or peace time. At the same time, it acknowledges those who are now serving in today's armed forces," said Winningham.

"I do not believe in waiting until a veteran is dead before we take time to honor them and say thanks. Let's honor them now while many of our older veterans are still with us. For those who have gone on, this monument is a way to remember the sacrifice they made for us, the living. With this memorial, we say to each veteran, past, present or future - thank you - we will never forget what you have done."

Work on the memorial began in September of 1992 with the construction of the circle monument area. The second phase of the memorial, which included the setting of black granite stones and white columns to create an open air chapel, was completed this past summer.

As visitors arrive at the north end of the memorial, the three white granite pillars are mounted in a circle. In the middle of the circle is a flag pole and American flag that flies day and night. One of the granite stones is engraved with the first verse of Taps. The second stone is engraved with the emblems of the armed forces of the United States: Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The third stone reminds visitors that we must never forget the men and women soldiers who did not return home, but lie in American cemeteries overseas, or in places known only to God.

On special occasions and holidays, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day, American flags of deceased veterans will fly along the outside edge of the circle.

Immediately south of the circle is a paved walkway that leads to the open air chapel.

On the east side of the walkway are mounted vertical black granite stones that serve as the east wall. On each stone is engraved the names of veterans, living and dead, who served their country in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Desert Storm, and in peace time.

Immediately to the west of the granite stones are 11 white columns that stand vigil and serve as the west "wall" of the open air chapel.

Funding for the memorial came entirely from donations and in-kind services from individuals and organizations, said Winningham.

Winningham said the names of any veteran can be engraved on the wall. She said the veteran does not have to be a past or present resident of Cape Girardeau County.

"We're not limiting the memorial to any particular location. Anyone can contribute to the memorial and honor a living or deceased veteran of their choice," she said.

So far over 700 names have been engraved on the granite monuments. The next engraving of names will begin soon.

For more information on how to donate to the memorial or have the name of a veteran engraved on the monument, call 243-7186 during the day, or 243-8224 at night; or write to: Memorial to Veterans of All Wars, P.O. Box 596, Jackson, Mo., 63755.