Mansfield dedicates Veterans Memorial

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

Years of planning and work finally paid off Saturday morning when the city dedicated the Veterans Memorial at Julian Feild Park.

The park, 1531 E. Broad St., recently got a complete makeover with a new octagonal pavilion, restrooms, landscaping, reflecting pond, bridge, memorial and an event plaza with seven flag poles honoring each branch of service and POW-MIA. The renovations were projected to cost $6.5 million, but wound up under budget at $5 million, said Matt Young, executive director of community services. The funds came from Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 1.

The Mansfield Veterans Memorial and Tribute Foundation, led by Army veteran Tim Milligan, has been working to build a veterans park since 2019. Addressing Milligan and his group at the dedication, Mayor Michael Evans said, “Mission accomplished.”

For Evans, a Navy veteran, the memorial is personal.

“It may not seem like an essential service, like water or police, but a space to honor our service members is essential,” Evans said. “My hope is that you take the time to absorb the magnitude of this space.

“My father is a Vietnam veteran,” he said. “As the kid of a veteran, it impacted our home and our family. Let this park serve as a place to reflect on the cost of war.”

City Manager Joe Smolinski was visibly moved at the ceremony. Smolinski is an Army veteran, both of his sons were also in the Army and his father served 20 years in the Navy.

“It’s a beautiful day for a beautiful event,” Smolinski said. “We get to celebrate a beautiful park.

“This memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the men and women who have worn this nation’s uniform,” Smolinski said. “To those who gave their lives for this nation, we honor you, we remember you and we will not forget you.”

State Rep. David Cook (District 96), who is also Mansfield’s former mayor, presented Tim Milligan, chairman of the Mansfield Veterans Memorial and Tribute Foundation, and the city with proclamations from the state in honor of their work to create the memorial. Congressman Jake Ellzey sent a representative to present the city with a flag and congressional recognition.

American Idol finalist Brenna Brigman sang the National Anthem, the First Methodist Mansfield Chancel Choir sang the Armed Forces Medley and America the Beautiful and members of American Legion Post #624 raised the flags on the plaza.