The mission of the Memorial for all Veterans of the Brazos Valley, Inc., is to take a proactive role in honoring veterans who have served in the uniformed services of the United States. The organization was chartered as a non-profit corporation by the State of Texas on July 17, 2000 and the sole purpose is to recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of all American veterans past, present and future. This unique memorial was the vision of many local veterans, friends and organizations. It was developed with the generous financial support of numerous individuals and organizations along with the long term commitment of Cities of Bryan, College Station and Brazos County Commissioners Court.
The bronze sculpture mounted atop the massive 250 ton Texas granite base is the work of artist Robert Eceleston from Schuyler Falls, New York. His proposal was selected from 120 entries. He served as an Army Ranger and was a Captain in the 10th Mountain Division before his career as an artist.
The memorial was formally dedicated on November 10th, 2002, and former President George H. W. Bush spoke at the site with these words: “The Brazos Valley Community can stand proud. The names that mark the memorial showcase the sons and daughters who gave dedicated service to our nation, so that future generations can share the $eedoms we enjoy. Their task was great and their sacrifice even greater, but their legacy stands firm and their memories burn bright”. The following day, several thousand veterans, family and friends attended the formal dedication ceremony which highlighted the addition of hundreds names on the red granite “Wall of Honor”.
Included on the wall are the names of 24 United States Presidents who served in the military along with the names of 7 Texas A&M University former students who received the Medal of Honor. 4,103 names of veterans from all periods of United States history are now engraved on the wall.
In May of 2002, Mr. Don Adam, Chairman of The Adam Corporation, gave a major gift to the memorial Board which ensured success of the initial project. In gratitude for all Mr. Adam has done on behalf the memorial, the plaza is now known as the “Louis L. Adam Memorial Plaza” in honor of his father, a U.S. Army veteran.
The “War on Terror” memorial was dedicated on May 31, 2005. This is the first of several memorials planned to commemorate the major wars that the United States has fought. These future memorials will be located along a one mile trail known as the “Lynn Stuart Pathway”. The pathway was dedicated on September 22, 2006 in honor of BG Louis Lynn Stuart, USA who provided critical support and leadership in the creation of the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial. The names of veterans that are on the wall can be accessed with the use of an electronic kiosk located in the Travis B. Bryan, Jr. Freedom Pavilion. This beautiful structure was dedicated in honor of the local civic leader and veteran on February 19, 2007.
We sincerely hope that you enjoy this beautiful place and reflect on the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families. The lasting value of this memorial is its investment in the education of future generations to share with them the fact that freedom comes at great cost and is not free.
