Peck Shares Remarks On Veterans' Park Dedication

Due to a large crowd and small sound system, many in attendance at the Clay County Memorial Day Ceremony and Veterans' Park dedication were unable to hear the remarks given by Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Rob Peck. Below are the remarks in full.

Good afternoon, honored veterans, families, friends, elected officials and members of our community. Today, we gather on this reverent ground at the Clay County Veterans Park to dedicate a place of honor, reflection, and gratitude—a lasting tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation.

As we stand here, surrounded by the beauty of our mountains and the strength of our community, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by our veterans. From the fields of World War I and World War II, to the Korean Peninsula, the jungles of Vietnam, the deserts of the Global War on Terrorism, countless other conflicts, as well as times of peace, Clay County’s sons and daughters have answered the call of duty with courage and conviction. This park bears witness to their service. Its numerous displays speak to both the collective and individual sacrifices of our heroes.

While we dedicate the Clay County Veterans Park this Memorial Day, we do so without overshadowing the profound loss Memorial Day commemorates. As witnessed by the service which preceded this dedication, Memorial Day is a solemn but proud moment to recognize those that gave all. While we dedicate this park we do so carefully respecting the day’s focus on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Today, we dedicate this park not only to the fallen, but to all who have worn the uniform- those who returned home and those still serving. Each flagpole, each brick paver in our Wall of Honor, each historical panel and each slab of granite represents a story of service, a legacy of bravery, and a commitment to the freedoms we cherish.

In the heart of Clay County, the Veteran’s Park stands as a testament to a shared dream and an unwavering commitment between Allison-Bristol VFW Post 6812, George Lee American Legion Post 532, and the Clay County Board of Commissioners. All under the watchful eye and steadfast leadership of Project Manager Betty Bradley. Envisioned as a sacred space to honor those who served, the park was born from a common purpose and has since become a reality- a place where we can honor our past and inspire our future.

To our veterans here today: thank you. Your service has shaped our nation and our community. You have defended our way of life, and this park is our pledge to never forget. To the families of our veterans: your sacrifices, too, are etched into this sacred space. You have shouldered the weight of worry, separation, and loss, and we honor you alongside those who served.

This park is more than stone and masonry; it is a living testament to Clay County’s pride and unity. It stands as a place for reflection, where we can teach our children the value of service and the cost of freedom. It is a place for healing, where veterans and families can find solace in shared memory. And it is a place for gratitude, where we, as a community, can say with one voice: we remember, we respect, and we are forever thankful.

As we dedicate this Veterans Park, let us commit to its care and its purpose. Let us continue to advocate for our veterans and ensure our heroes receive the benefits and support they’ve earned. Let us keep this park vibrant through our donations, our volunteerism, and our presence at events like this Memorial Day service and others like it. And let us carry the spirit of this day forward, honoring our veterans not just with words, but with actions that strengthen our community and our nation.

In closing, I invite you to look upon this park and see not just a monument, but a promise—a promise to remember, to honor, and to live in a way that upholds the values our veterans fought for. May this Clay County Veterans Park stand for generations as a beacon of gratitude and a reminder of the price of liberty.

Thank you and God Bless