I hesitate to do this because a lot of things and people make up
"the landscape of the Park." There is not enough room to
recognize all the important contributions that make the Park so beautiful and
give it that "Hallowed" feeling. Visit the Contributor Wall of Honor
and see the ones who gave $500 or more (more can be added) and remember all the
others individual and groups who join the committee each year with a donation –
large or small everyone makes a difference! As you read through the following
and think of others that you feel should have been mentioned, contact them and
express your gratitude. We don’t want to
take anyone for granted. We appreciate
every contribution. The joint effort with
cooperation is what created our “Million Dollar Park!”
The Park is beautiful ~ God is Good ~ May God bless the USA and
all Veterans.
2000 Groundbreaking - President Nellie Duke presided. (1st meeting was held in November 1999 and Dedication was on November 10, 2001.)
2000 - In the center of middle picture are Laura Hoskins and Violette Denney.
In the lower picture are Sonny Reeves and Donald Denney.
Ray Roddenberry, a US Navy Veteran, served as Architect/Designer and Project Manager as long as his heath permitted. He
designed the park with 12 two-sided Walls of Honor. Sandra Vierling, a landscape architect, devoted many volunteer hours preparing a drawing that could be used in phases as fund became available to add features as well as plants and trees. The landscaping would never be complete without the many large USA Flags donated to the Park by James Upchurch and the Woodmen of the World Lodge Number 100.
2006 - The program participants are waiting for the ceremony to start. The KIA Walls are in the background and they were added in January 2005 ($44,000). The POW/MIA Wall of Honor was added April 18, 2005 and it cost $2,690.
January 20, 2007
Later in 2007
On September 9, 2008 the Carroll County Master Gardeners presented a check to Carolyn Stone, Sherrie D'Hollosy, Violette Denney and Norris Garrett of the Veterans Memorial Park Committee representing the proceeds from the first printing of the Master Gardener Recipe book, "A Season For Gardens." Pictured in the front: Liz Warren, Violette Denney and Norris Garrett; back row: Carolyn Stone, Judy Anderson, Debbie Novak, Marilyn Van Pelt, Sherrie D'Hollosy and Becky Sullivan. In addition the CCMGs gave a large donation for landscaping. Sherrie D'Hollosy and the Spade and Trowell Garden Club helped to raise funds (about $18,570) and recruited many others to assist in the development of landscaping. James Hembree from the UWG Arboretum donated and planted trees. The CJWC dedicated their benefits from the 5th Annual Cross Country Autumn Run to the Park. In May 2010 the Park was presented the Silver Award for Beautification by the Carroll County of Commerce and Environmental Projects Committee.
The permanent polished black granite sign was erected in January 2008 and the lighting was added with grant money received from the Carroll EMC Foundation on August 18, 2011.
2008 - The Georgia Master Gardener Association gave the Park a grant to cover the plants, etc. around the Park Fountain.
In December 2007 a $20,000 matching grant from the Community Foundation of West Georgia to be used for the Park Fountain was received from Megan Traylor (left), Operations Director of the Community Foundation of West Georgia. Treasurer Violette Denney and President Norris Garrett received the check.
The Fountain was completed and dedicated at the 2008 Memorial Day Program. This picture was made on June 26, 2008. It cost about $45,000.
January 14, 2009 - The Pavilion was completely installed.
November 2009 shows the plants and shrubs growing nicely.
A grant for $5,000 was received from the Community Foundation in 2009 to help fund the Women's Memorial Wall. The Wall cost about $40,000.
June
Drew is standing in front of the Women’s Memorial Wall on April 10, 2010 just after
it was completely installed. She received a letter from Congressman Phil Gingrey congratulating her saying she would be
awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
“…This long overdue medal is the highest and most distinguished award
Congress can award to a civilian. This
commissioned gold medal is the deepest expression of National appreciation for
your distinguished achievements and contributions to your country. You played a crucial role during WWII and
America will forever be grateful for your service. WASP (Women Air Force
Service Pilots) paved the way for women today to be pilots in the United State
military. As the WASP song says, ‘You
had the right stuff’ and our nation is better today because of your exceptional
commitment and the example you set. If
there is anything I can ever do for you, please do not hesitate to contact
me. Sincerely, Phil Gingrey, MD, Member
of Congress, GA-11”
The medal was never received and after a lot of contacts, on July 5, 2010 the Abraham Baldwin Chapter presented the Congressional Medal to June Drew at the Park. With her family's permission we purchased the medal for the family and as requested we made the presentation at the Park where she has a plaque on the Wall of Honor.
The Bell Tower was installed in November 2011 and was dedicated at the Veteran's Day Ceremony on November 9, 2011. Red roses enhance the Park as does the fall trees in the background.
In May 2011 the GIs came home with a price tag but were welcomed! Thanks to Gordon Chandler and his donation to the Park, the price was manageable.
November 9, 2011 The favorite view of several members!
The C. C. Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Daniel Jackson was the featured speaker for Memorial Day 2012 - pictured here with the Park President Norris Garrett. Jackson furnishes and sets up the speaker system for all the Memorial and Veteran's Day programs. This is appreciated by ALL - we all want to be able to hear everything during these wonderful programs!
The Alphabetical Bronze Index Directory for Walls of Honor 17 - 20 were installed on July 29, 2012.
On June 24, 2013 Norris Garrett was surprised by a gift from the CCVMP Committee presented by Violette Denney. The cost of the book and a brick with his name was covered by the Committee.
On August 8, 2012 the Carroll EMC Foundation Round-Up Program presented the Park $1,500 grant to be applied toward the cost of the bronze Alphabetical Directory. Pictured L. to R.: Judy Awbrey, Norris Garrett, Violette Denney and Judy Rowell.
Terry Lowry and the Carroll Symphony Wind Ensemble presented patriotic music before and during all the Memorial and Veteran's Day programs at the Park.
Sheriff Terry Langley was the special speaker for the Veterans Day Program in November 2012.
10 of the 15 Veterans employed by the Sheriff's Department were present to be recognized for their dedicated and sacrificial service to our country during the ceremony. The Sheriff's Department purchased a plaque for all their veteran employees who served their Country honorably.
On June 5, 2013 the Golden Kiwanis Club presented the Park a donation from the February 2013 Pancake Breakfast proceeds. It was presented by their President Elect Norman Lipscomb (right end) - Park Treasurer Violette Denney (second from right) received the check. They presented donations to three other groups that same day.
Constructing the Fire Pit - A crew Norris Garrett volunteered and photographed: 1st Lt Matt Chapman USAF, Virginia State Highway Patrolman Christopher Garrett, Lt Col Jerry Garrett USAF retired, Job Supervisor Mike Nowacki.
A $2,000 grant was received from the Carroll EMC Round-Up program on August 7, 2013 to fund the Burn Pit and the area around it. The first program using the Flag Drop Box and Fire Pit to retire the USA Flag was performed on Armed Forces Day May 17, 2014.
Wall of Honor # 22 was installed October 8, 2013 and available for viewing on Veterans Day brings the total plaques to 1,056. Wall # 23 is nearing completion and will be installed hopefully by Veterans Day.
The Round-A-Bout was added in June 2013 and the landscaping included a Welcome to Carrollton sign. This makes a wonderful point of reference when first time visitors are trying to locate the Park.
