WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATED
TRANSCRIBED BY ELAINE HUBBARD STONE
FROM LAS SABINAS VOL. IX 1983 BOOK 3
Lloyd Grubbs American Legion Post No. 49, of Orange, Texas, added another special service to the long lists of their many worthwhile contributions to the community. A dedication ceremony was held on June 18, 1983, with the unveiling of a Memorial Monument that was placed on the Orange County Courthouse lawn by Post 49. This was done in memory of veterans who served in the Armed Forces in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Many hours of time and effort were spent by the members of Post 49 to make this possible.
The Working committee for the War Memorial consisted of Edward Sonnier, chairman. Other committee members were Hunter Beaty, Ralph Richardson, Tom Drisdale, Ron Sprinkel, and Jo Ann Foster. Jo Ann helped to co-ordinate the program and was responsible for making arrangements for the guest speakers. The committee went before the Orange County Commissioners Court to obtain permission to place the Memorial Monument on the courthouse lawn. County Judge James Stringer and Commissioners Arthur Simpson, Morris Collier, Thomas “Tick” Granger, and Raymond Gould designated the week of June 13, through June 18,1983 as Vietnam Veterans Week.
The program began at 9:00 A.M. with the reading of the Rolls of War Casualties of Orange County. The dedication ceremony started with Color Guards being presented by Boy Scouts of America, Orange District, Three Rivers Council. The Invocation was given by American Legion Chaplain, Tom Drisdale. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Hunter Beaty, Post Service Officer. County officials were recognized by Jo Ann Foster, Assistant Veterans Service Officer. The unveiling of the monument was done by Acting Commander of Post 49, Ralph Richardson and incoming Commander, Ruby Richardson. Guest speakers were Harmon Strickland, Field Representative, Veterans Outreach Program, Texas Veterans Land Programs; State Representative Wayne Peveto and State Senator Carl Parker. Chaplain Tom Drisdale rendered the closing prayer. Following the Dedication Ceremony, a luncheon was held at the American Legion Post 49. Judge James Stringer was the guest speaker at this time.
The basic design for the Memorial Monument was made by Ed Sonnier. Committee members and other members of Post 49 helped to work out details and the wording to be used on the monument. The monument is made of granite that came from Georgia and was made by Sabine Monument Co. of Beaumont, Texas. It is not only beautiful to look at but is a beautiful tribute to all of the War Veterans from Orange County who served their country in times of war. A profound feeling of appreciation to the Lord Grubbs American Legion Post No. 49 is felt by many in Orange County…… Submitted by R.H. “Bubba” Voss…….Information obtained from Hunter Beaty and Jo Ann Foster………
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