Veterans Memorial Park*
- 18 acres
- Veterans Memorial Wall of Honor
- 1 Pavilion
- Restroom
- Military themed playground
- Walking Trail - 0.89 miles
About Veterans Memorial Park
The City of Moore funded the construction of a memorial to honor America’s veterans and their families. The City renamed JD Estates Park to Veterans Memorial Park (1900 SE 4th Street) and at the entrance to that park is the memorial.
Near the west entrance to the park is a 15’ black, granite obelisk that has the following inscription on it “May this hallowed ground honor the sacrifice of America’s finest veterans, civilians, and their families- past, present, and future. We will never forget.” Another major feature of the memorial is five black, granite tablets with the seal of the five branches of the service. At the center of the memorial is a flag plaza with a 30’ foot pole for the American flag and two 25’ poles for the Oklahoma flag and the POW/MIA flag. The flag plaza is surrounded by a polished concrete walking area with a stained 5-pointed star stretching the entire width and height of the walking area. The memorial also features beautiful landscaping. Lighting was installed so visitors may enjoy the memorial at night. This area of the park was dedicated in a ceremony held on August 29, 2007
Veterans Memorial Park Wall of Honor
The Wall of Honor recognizes Moore Veterans who have completed honorable service during times of conflict and/or non-conflict. The Wall of Honor is located in Veterans Memorial Park at 4th Street and Bryant Avenue. The community of Moore is proud of our veterans. The Wall of Honor recognizes and honors approximately 1,000 veterans for their honorable service to our country. The Wall of Honor was dedicated in the Spring of 2015. This project was funded by the ¼ cent Park sales tax approved by the voters of Moore in November 2012.
Phase III of Veterans Memorial
A committee was formed to plan the second phase of the Moore Veterans Memorial. A campaign to sell bricks to be placed in the memorial was completed in early 2009. The response from the community was fantastic. Over 190 bricks were purchased by supporters from the community and surrounding areas. The bricks were placed in the Memorial wall/sitting area in late May. A cast stone bench caps the wall. The purchase of a brick supported the phase II portion of the Moore Veterans Memorial.
The Soldiers’ Memorial
Prior to the completion of the Soldiers’ Memorial the northeast corner of Veterans Memorial Park was a grassy area with four large mature trees and several smaller newly planted trees. The large trees were believed to be two walnut trees and two elm trees. The four large trees died during the winter of 08/09. City staff recommended that rather than simply cut down the trees that something useful and creative be done with them. It was suggested that, if possible, soldiers should be carved into the trees. An Oklahoma woodcarving artist, Clayton Coss, was contacted and after meeting with City staff and viewing the trees it was determined that the trees could be carved into soldiers. The 45th Infantry Brigade and the 45th Infantry Division Museum were contacted and times were set up to photograph individuals who volunteered to serve as models for the proposed carved soldiers.
In September 2009 the trees were cut down and transported to Clayton Coss’s workshop in Inola, Oklahoma. Using the four trees from this area, Mr. Coss began carving the soldiers into the trees in January 2010. Final delivery of the completed carved soldiers was made in March 2010. Work on the memorial site began in March 2010 as well. The four oak trees by the benches and 3-soldier platform were planted in March 2010. The concrete platforms for the soldiers, the sidewalks, and bench areas were completed in May 2010.
Completing the Soldiers’ Memorial took vision, dedication, and skill. It is a fitting tribute to the sacrifice of our fellow citizens. The four carved, wooden soldiers represent the four major wars since the end of World War I. They include World War II (the lone soldier near the bridge), Korea, Vietnam, and the Afghanistan/Iraq War (the three soldiers grouped in the large platform).
On May 15th, 2010 the Soldiers’ Memorial was dedicated at a ceremony with over 200 people in attendance.
