Plans are in motion for the possible construction of a veterans memorial to be located along FM 1626 in Kyle, said David Wilson, Kyle city council member, at a meeting earlier this month.
The memorial will feature an obelisk engraved with the names of Kyle citizens who died in service, a large American flag, and pavers recognizing veterans in the community.
“There’s a lot of people who paid the price of serving their country, paid with their lives, and we need to honor that,” Wilson said. “We want a quality memorial and something we can really be proud of in our community to recognize those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Wilson, who himself is a veteran, said the project is in its early stages as the design is not yet completed and he is conducting research to identify Kyle citizens who died in service.
The memorial will be located on the intersection of Kohler’s Crossing and FM 1626, overlooking a small lake.
“We envision a reflecting lake with benches and pavers, recognizing those who paid the ultimate sacrifice from our community,” Wilson said.
Last year, the council budgeted $10,000 for the construction of the memorial. However, additional funding is still needed.
“We have plans for a more expansive GoFundMe project that will enable us to raise the kind of money that will have a high quality memorial that we can be proud of,” Wilson said.
Residents can also make contributions to the city or purchase a paver in honor of a loved one who’s served.
“Most people that I speak to are wanting to make a contribution even before I have the financial mechanism set up to receive the contribution,” Wilson said.
Wilson said Councilmember Shane Arabie, a fabrication engineer who’s also a veteran, would be able to help with engineering plans and building the obelisk.
The project will be completed in perhaps six months to a year, Wilson said.
The memorial will be a place where people can go to reflect and honor their loved ones.
“I just think it’s real important that we have a place to start communicating respect,” Wilson said.
Veterans will also be honored Memorial Day at a 10 a.m. ceremony Monday hosted by the Kyle-Buda VFW. At the ceremony, the names of veterans who have passed away will be read.
“We want to recognize them for their veteran contribution to our community,” Wilson said. “I’m happy to be a part of that as part of the honor guard,” Wilson said.
