Veterans Memorial
Installation and Dedication Photos
Monday November 9 2009. The Granite arrives at the Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitor Center.
The concrete pad and pedestal were completed and ready to fit the granite star and column.
U.S. Flag and Flagpole provided a large crane to lift the 3,000 lb pieces of granite into place.
The installation of the solid granite star went smoothly.
The large granite column was a little more difficult and it took several attempts to come up with the proper strapping method to lift the solid piece of granite.
The crane lifts the granite column and it is slowly moved into place above the granite star.
The granite column is carefully placed over the 1" steel rod that is used to align the pedestal and the two pieces of granite
After carefully aligning the seperate pieces, the column was lowered into place.
The installation went perfectly and there was a great sense of relief.
One final check before the crane and crew could consider the granite installation complete.
Phase 1 was completed. Roy Kirkland, Ron Petitt, Ray Hardy and Rodney Gobert stand next to the installed granite.
This page contains photographs showing the various stages of installation of the Veterans Memorial and the dedication and unveiling which occured on Veterans Day, November 11 2009.
All images on this page are used with permission of the
owners and are protected by Copyright Laws.
2009 by Ron Petitt
petittart@gmail.com
970-402-1950
This page was last updated: November 18, 2022
Installing The Bronze Military Figures and Ensignia Plaques
Tuesday November 10 2009. The granite was in place and the installation of the bronze sculptures and service emblems begins.
This phase began by measuring and laying out the hole drill pattern for the figures and plaques.
A prepared paper template is used to align and mark the points where the mounting holes will be drilled. Very windy weather makes the task a 3-man job with friends Mark Pierce and Rodney Gobert assisting.
The drilling begins, but Murphy's Law comes into play and it becomes quickly apparent that a heavier duty impact drill is neccessary for the solid granite.
Fortunately for everyone, Ray Hardy comes to the rescue with the perfect size drill and wastes little time getting the job done. Thanks again Ray!
As the mounting holes are drilled, each bronze figure and plaque are test fit to make sure everything is perfect.
A full day of drilling and fitting comes to an end, and just as the sun begins to set we get the last holes drilled. Tomorrow is the dedication and Ray and I will arrive early to clean everything and mount all the bronze figures and plaques into place.
La Rue Rougeau, the operations manager for the Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center took this great photo that pretty much summed of the day. We were all tired, but everything was coming together. Thanks again to Mark, Ray, Rodney and La Rue for all their help.
Veterans Memorial Dedication November 11 2009
Dedication day began early with the permanent installation of the bronze figures and plaques along with interviews by the local media.
A military parachute was used to cover the Veterans Memorial prior to the unveiling.
Texas Congressman Ted Poe addressing the large crowd.
The Vidor Texas Middle School provided the patriotic music.
Speakers left to right included Judge Ron Walker, Commissioner Bo Alfred, Master of Ceremony Bill Leger, Sculptor Ron Petitt, among others.
All branches of the Armed Forces were represented at the dedication
The Veterans Memorial was unveiled.
The weather was perfect and the ceremony was well attended by a very patriotic crowd.
Vietnam Veterans Of Southeast Texas Chapter 292, President Kerwin Stone officially dedicated the Veterans Memorial.
