County Proud: McKinney’s Veterans Memorial Park Honors Area-Native Soldiers

By Chris Beattie, acnpapers.com

Published: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 11:22 AM CST

There's more to the 345 names than letters and birthrights. There is courage, bravery and sacrifice.

And now, there is honor and remembrance. The Veterans Memorial Park is complete, furnished with the names that, in their own way, tell the past century's war stories.

Soldiers from Collin County are still fighting overseas, their motivation likely the same as those before them. The new park is living proof that McKinney recognizes their service, which sometimes leads to the ultimate sacrifice.

"It's a living memorial in the sense that as long as men and women fight for our freedom and pay that price, they can be added and remembered for their dedication and sacrifice," Mayor Brian Loughmiller said during the park's dedication this weekend. "And for that remembrance, their spirit will live on in the heart of our community."

Hundreds braved chilly winds Saturday morning to take part in the opening of the area's long-awaited milestone. Many donned red, white and blue, while others wore their military uniforms or armed forces apparel.

Residents of all ages showed up to recognize 345 family members, friends and fellow veterans who died in the line of duty over the last 100 years, their memories etched into the solemn granite wall anchoring the memorial.

Permanent letters spell out names like Chester Bennett, the first Collin County veteran to die in service in the 20th Century, or Elkin Franklin of McKinney, who died in 1932 and is the oldest and highest-ranking Collin County native to die in service.

They help residents remember many who never lived past their 20s, some who made it home and are buried at cemeteries all over the county. They signify soldiers from every military branch, war and generation.

Standing tall above the names is a pristine American flag, to be lighted every night as a constant beacon of the memorial. It proudly waved as community members sang, prayed and spoke their appreciation for the park.

Former president George W. Bush wrote a letter of appreciation to McKinney, one that Loughmiller read to a cheering audience. In his letter, Bush said, "America was founded on the principals of liberty, opportunity and justice for all -- on Veterans Day, we recognize the men and women of our armed forces who have valiantly defended these ideals throughout the nation's history." He concluded his words with gratitude toward the city for building the memorial.

R.D. Foster, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the park's originator, told a few of the stories he hopes the names will spark in the minds of those who knew them. After graduating from McKinney High School in 1966, Foster enlisted with childhood buddy Charles "Bill" Bryan, who was killed in Vietnam two years later.

The death of Bryan and other McKinney-native veterans inspired Foster to bring a top-notch memorial to his hometown. They were only a few of so many Collin County men and women who Foster says "made the choice to live as lions and not sheep."

"No one knows better than a family member, friend or a fellow warrior that freedom does not come free," Foster told the crowd. "The soldier is not dead until he is forgotten."

Following the speeches, the crowd dispersed to the Wall of Honor, where many kissed or touched the names of those still dear in their hearts and memories.

Henry Myrick, a lifelong McKinney resident, knew three of the names all too well. Jack Kerby, a U.S. Marine, was killed during World War II in the Battle of Iwo Jima, just 100 yards away from Myrick.

Two others -- Mercer Abernathy and Bobby Joe Younger -- graduated high school with him. Both died during WWII, Abernathy lost in a plane over the North Sea and Younger somewhere in Germany. No one ever found their bodies.

"Bobby Joe was my best friend, and Mercer and Jack were dear friends of mine," Myrick said while glimpsing at their names. "This is wonderful. The people who got it started can't be congratulated enough."

As kids skipped up to the Wall this weekend, mini American flags in hand, they likely failed to recognize the importance of the granite list. Others, like Myrick, could hardly bear the magnitude.

Collin County, and specifically McKinney, can now remember the names that tell tales of the nation's fight for freedom.

"It makes me proud that I was born in this town," Myrick said. "It's a great tribute."