New Madrid County Veterans Park

New Madrid County Veterans Park Dedication

An estimated crowd of 300 plus attended the dedication services held Thursday, November 11, 2010 for the newly constructed Veterans Park. The program began at 10 a.m. with music provided by the New Madrid County Central High School Band. Master of Ceremonies was New Madrid County Mayors Association President, Donnie Brown.

Rev. Jeffrey Long, New Madrid First United Methodist Church, gave the invocation. The New Madrid County Central JROTC posted the colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The New Madrid County Central Singing Eagles sang the National Anthem and " Salute to the Armed Forces." Speakers were Clyde Hawes, New Madrid County Presiding Commissioner, Steve Hodges, District 161 State Representative and Judy Thrower, Case Specialist for Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson's Office. Adam Young, senior at NMCC, read his original poem honoring veterans followed by the raising of the American, Missouri, KIA/MIA and POW flags.

The service was closed with a benediction by Rev. Ed Thomason, New Madrid Church of Christ, followed by a 21 Gun Salute by the Richard Grissom Color Guard of American Legion Post No. 595.

The Veterans Park was envisioned and planned by the River Bend Botanical Society in partnership with the New Madrid City Council, New Madrid County Commissioners and the New Madrid County Highway Department as a place of honor for veterans and their families. Finance for the park came from numerous fundraiser events as well as donations from individuals, organizations and area businesses.

Veterans Park Brick Order Form (PDF)

Alphabetical Listing of Veterans' Names Monuments I - VIII (PDF)