Kneeling Solider takes a knee permanently
Photo by Ayla Rightenour
Memorial held to dedicate statue
Pastor Dan Tarno of Grace Bible Fellowship Church of Canton set the tone for the Kneeling Soldier memorial dedication Nov. 11 by remarking, “We don’t fight the battles we know we can win; rather, we fight the battles that we believe in.”
The veterans of Van Zandt County battled and believed in a vison- a vison to create one of the best veteran’s memorials in the state.
Over 10 years of fundraising, ups and downs, golf tournaments, turkey shoots and labor intensive projects have resulted in a one-of-a-kind showcase, a vison of the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial group.
Veterans Memorial Director Dan Cantania remarked to Founder and Director Red Montgomery, “well, you finally did it kid,” in regards to placing the statue at the Veterans Memorial Nov. 12.
Montgomery is credited with sowing the seed of the idea of a Veterans Memorial in 2006, and was present during the event.
The event was led by Lt. Col. Cary Hilliard, USAF, Retired.
Hilliard also thanked TxDOT for letting the Veterans Memorial use the 1.5 acres of land that the memorial is on.
Hundreds of people gathered in Canton at the Vets Memorial to pay homage to the Memorial and to see the new Kneeling Solider, with special speaker Congressman Jeb Hensarling delivering a speech to thank veterans for their service, and also reminding everyone that freedom isn’t free.
“It is a great honor to honor those who have served our nation in uniform. It is a call that is both holy and sacred. This country and its freedoms comes from the courtesy of a veteran. Whether it be freedom of speech or freedom of religion, all of that comes from the courtesy of a veteran who helped make our nation safe, secure and free,” said Congressman Hensarling.
Tears and cheers were heard from the crowd, as sculptor and artist Ed Pickett addressed the audience.
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