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Published Monday, November 09, 2009 in Local

Statues tribute to all veterans

By Winston Skinner

The Times-Herald

Two Coweta heroes have been memorialized in bronze, but the placement of their statues at a public park means something more to many local citizens -- a recognition of all veterans and their contributions.

Statues of Col. Joe M. Jackson and Maj. Stephen W. Pless are under coverings at Veterans Memorial Plaza today. They will be officially unveiled at the annual Veterans Day observance on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Jackson is coming from his home in Washington state to take part in the ceremonies. Pless died in a motorcycle accident in 1969, less than a year after the two natives of Newnan received the nation's highest military award, the Medal of Honor.

Fred Scott, senior vice commander of American Legion Post 57, said that the statue dedication is meant to honor not only Jackson and Pless, but all veterans. "Their acts of heroism are emblematic of the service of veterans of every era of our history. The men and women who stood ready to defend our country in peace and war are all heroes in one way or another," Scott said.

The post sponsors the annual Veterans Day program. Memorial Day and Veterans Day this year have had an added luster because of Veterans Memorial Plaza.

The brick-lined park at Jackson Street and Temple Avenue includes plaques listing Cowetans who died in wartime from World War I forward. Local citizens purchased personalized bricks to help with the cost of the project, which included the statue grouping of Jackson, Pless and two children.

Larger contributions were also received from businesses, organizations and individuals. The City of Newnan and Coweta County each contributed $125,000 to complete the project.

Planning and fundraising for the plaza were the work of a committee of citizens and civic leaders, chaired by retired Air Force General Rob Tornow.

Tornow noted personalized bricks continue to be sold. A tier of 90 bricks will be added to the original set by Wednesday.

Mark Austin Byrd and Jenelle Armstrong Byrd came from Dallas, Texas to see their sculptures put in place at the park. Several family members of the Medal of Honor recipients are coming from out of state, and others live in the local area.

"We want to show the Jackson and Pless family some of our special Coweta hospitality during their stay," said Dick Stender, Commander of American Legion Post 57. "There will undoubtedly be several military comrades of Jackson and Pless who will travel to Newnan to see the dedication. We want all of them to know that Coweta has never forgotten that freedom is not free."

The program on Wednesday will include musical selections by students from Atkinson Elementary School and participation by the Air Force JROTC of Newnan High School.

Those planning to attend the ceremonies are reminded to bring a folding chair, as seating will be limited. Immediately following the ceremony, the Coweta Veterans' Club, on Highway 29 North will serve a luncheon for the community. Food will be served until 2 p.m.

The club has extended a special invitation to law enforcement and emergency service personnel to attend the luncheon.

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