The East Mississippi Veterans Park in Meridian is undergoing a major facelift.
Crews are currently in the process of improving three distinct areas designed to honor and pay tribute to the men and women who have served in the military.
Area One: The historic freedom timeline – roadside sign wall
This wall will serve a dual purpose for the park. On the street side facing M Street, the park’s name, address, and service emblems will be displayed, identifying the location when visitors arrive. The park side of the wall will be covered in black granite panels that are inscribed and laser etched with a historical timeline about Mississippi and the U.S., highlighting 12 major conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terrorism.
The wall will also have images of all the presidents who have led the nation from the country’s founding to the present day. The Historic Freedom Timeline Wall will provide an educational and historical journey for visitors, offering insight into the United States’ history and significant military conflicts. It will also serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals to preserve freedom.
Area Two: KC-135 Stratotanker tail
The second area will be the vertical stabilizer or “Tanker Tail” from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, like currently flown by the 186th Air Refueling Wing in Meridian. Plans involve using one side of the tanker tail to highlight the Key Brothers and their world record endurance flight that took place in Meridian in 1935. The other side will reflect the current aircraft markings of one of the 186th aircraft.
Area Three: The Armed Forces Plaza
The third area, the Armed Forces Plaza, will be opposite the Wall of Remembrance on campus. These two areas together will be the heart of the East Mississippi Veterans Park. The Armed Forces Plaza will feature a bronze eagle sculpture symbolizing the power and strength of the United States.
The eagle will be mounted on a four-sided pedestal featuring facts and information about the bald eagle, the United States Flag, the national anthem, and the Great Seal of the United States. The plaza will be a semicircle with six freestanding monuments, one for each branch of our Armed Forces. Each monument will depict images of each branch of the military.
Behind each monument will be the service branch’s flag. The design of the plaza will incorporate elements that symbolize strength, unity, and resilience, reflecting the qualities embodied by those who have served. The area between the Wall of Remembrance and Armed Forces Plaza will be a gathering place for community events, ceremonies, and commemorations, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among visitors.
It will also provide a serene and inviting space for individuals to reflect on the contributions of East Mississippi’s veterans and service members.
Upon completion of these new additions, the Wall of Remembrance, Armed Forces Plaza, Historic Freedom Wall, and static displays will stand as lasting tributes to the valor, dedication, and sacrifice of east Mississippi’s veterans and service members.
“Thanks to State Senator Jeff Tate and State Representative Billy Adam Calvert for their efforts during the 2024 legislative session for securing funds from the State of Mississippi so that the East Mississippi Veterans Foundation can make these additions,” East Mississippi Veterans Foundation President Jeff Summerlin said. “With their support and that of the State of Mississippi, the Veterans Park is much closer to completion.”
According to Summerlin, future additions to the park will include a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a UH-1 Huey Helicopter, and a quarter-mile walking path.
