The City of Mason is proud to remember the men and women who served our country in the armed forces.
The Mason Veterans Memorial was dedicated on Saturday, November 8, 2003. Over 1000 people, including at least 150 veterans, attended the event. The late Neil Armstrong, a Korean War veteran and the first man to walk on the moon, was the guest of honor. He was introduced by Congressman Rob Portman (U.S. House of Representatives, Second District). Colonel Michael J. Belzil, Commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, also spoke. The significance of the memorial design was described through a poem by Lonna Kingsbury.
In honor of the Mason Veterans Memorial 20th anniversary, the Memorial was rededicated on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, 2023. Rick Armstrong, son of Neil Armstrong and Shilo Harris, a US Army veteran that served in the Iraqi War were the two keynote speakers at the event.
At the 2023 Mason Veterans Memorial Rededication Ceremony, Mason City Council and the Mason Board of Veterans Affairs unveiled the Memorial’s newest enhancements and improvements in honor of the Memorial’s 20th anniversary. Improvements to the Memorial include new landscaping, lighting, concrete and the replacement of all existing commemorative bricks. Additionally, a Space Force monument stone, a Golf Star Families Memorial, a Purple Heart Memorial and a Never Forget Garden stone were unveiled to the public for the first time as part of the 20th anniversary rededication ceremony.
Honoring Mason’s Veterans and Active Military
The City of Mason, in partnership with the American Legion Post 194 and VFW Post 9622 offers several programs designed to honor Mason’s veterans and active military, including the memorial bricks and stones that are displayed throughout the Veterans Memorial. To learn more about these programs, click here.
About the Mason Veterans Memorial
At the head of the Memorial, a flag proudly waves above a wall depicting the six branches of the service: Space Force, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. At the base of the wall are commemorative bricks designated for only veterans and active military. Non-veteran commemorative bricks are part of the walkways leading up to the memorial.
The main feature of the Memorial is a set of 10 pillars representing the 10 major conflicts in American history. The height of each pillar is proportional to the number of casualties in the war. At the end of the row is a low stone representing the hope for peace and the end to casualties in war.
An eternal flame at the lower end of the memorial will burn until all prisoners of war and missing in action are returned to American soil. It stands in front of a wall of tears that represents the sorrows of all those affected by war.
About the Gold Star Families Memorial
The Gold Star Families Memorial is a two-sided tribute made of black granite. One side bears the words: Golf Star Families Memorial. On the other side of the monument, there are scenes etched on each of the four panels: Family, Honor, Sacrifice and Remembrance. At the center of this tribute, is a silhouette of a saluting service member which represents the Legacy of the Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedom. Together, these features tell a unique story based upon the Pillars of the Foundation.
Adjacent to the Memorial is a designated bench with the Gold Star Families emblem. The bench provides an opportunity for those visiting the memorial to pause and reflect upon the sacrifices that Gold Star Families have endured.
About the Purple Heart Memorial
The Purple Heart Memorial was generously donated by the Schleutker family. The monument’s tear drop shape and red granite is intended to represents the blood so many have shed to provide us the freedoms we enjoy today.
The Purple Heart Memorial provides the Mason community the opportunity to honor the men and women who were wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. Military and honored with a Purple Heart. In front of the Memorial is a designated bench with the Purple Heart emblem. The bench provides the opportunity for those visiting the memorial to reflect and pay respect to those service men and women who earned a Purple Heart.
About the Never Forget Garden
Through an initiative started in 2018, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Never Forget Garden is a nationwide invitation to all Americans and freedom loving people to plant gardens as a visual way to represent America’s unwavering commitment to the sacred duty to recognize, remember, and honor veterans, many who continued to serve as first responders, and their families now and for many years to come.
The Never Forget Garden Marker, designed in collaboration with the artists at Carruth Studio, was inspired by the sacred duty of the American people to never, ever forget or forsake all those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of America in times of war or armed conflict. Its message beckons the visitor to pause in this special place to reflect upon the deeds of those who we owe a debt that can never be fully repaid. Surrounding the marker is a garden that features red, white and blue plantings. The white rose was created by Fabien Ducher of France, named to honor the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in recognition of its 100th anniversary.
The Mason Veterans Memorial and accompanying memorials are located at 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road in Mason, in front of the Mason Municipal Center.