Mitchell Hasenpflug
May 21, 2024 — The Dedication Ceremony for the Tomb of the Unknown Solder Never Forget Garden Veterans Memorial was held today at Veterans Park in College Station. The ceremony commemorated the completion of the newest addition to Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial (BVVM) which was finished Nov. 2023 after nearly three years in the works.
The ceremony spotlighted each organization that played a major role in the actualization of the monument, including Daughters of the American Revolution, National Garden Clubs, Wreaths Across America, City of Bryan, City of College Station, Brazos County and many others.
“We could not have done this without the donors,” says Jane Cohen, chair of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Never Forget Garden Veterans
The community effort paid off, becoming a local version of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery where Brazos Valley residents can pay their respects to unnamed fallen or missing soldiers. The memorial plaque, provided by the Society of the Honor Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reminds visitors of the solemn and respected nature of the memorial with the inscription:
This garden is a living tribute to all of America’s veterans and their families. In silence and respect, this is a place to remember why millions of Americans have fought and died for our liberty and freedom.
Here we renew our promise to fulfill America’s sacred duty to never forget. Here we renew our mutual pledge to support them with our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.
The ceremony itself served as a testament to the solidarity of the Brazos Valley community, bringing together many individuals throughout the event. The Brazos Valley Chorale kicked off the affair with patriotic music, followed by a massing of the colors by the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard. Speakers included Jane Cohen, BVVM board member Tom Turbiville, City of Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez, City of College Station Mayor
John Nichols and keynote speaker Roy May, Jr., Texas A&M University class of 2015 and former sentinel guard for the original Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, VA.
“The Never Forget Garden is more than just a monument of the past, it is a testament to the experience of service and sacrifice that defines the men and women of the Brazos Valley,” says Roy. “It is a place where veterans and families can come together to find support, comradery and healing.”
The dedication concluded with a rifle salute and Taps by the American Legion Post #159.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Never Forget Garden is located at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex at 3101 Harvey Rd. and is open Sunday through Friday from 5 to 1 a.m. For more information on the newly dedicated Brazos Valley monument, visit neverforgetgardenbrazosvalley.com.
