Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Free concert benefits Veterans Memorial Park in McKinney
MCKINNEY — The more than 300 Collin County servicemen who have lost their lives in the line of duty will soon have a place of honor in McKinney. The McKinney Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department is planning the Veterans Memorial Park in McKinney on land at Craig Ranch.
The park got a generous start with a $350,000 grant from the McKinney Community Development Corporation, and many private and public donations have followed. However, additional financial support from the community is needed to complete the $1.1 million park. To raise more funds, a free benefit concert has been planned, raising money with raffle drawings and donations. The concert kicks off a four-band line-up on Thursday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at Towne Lake Park in McKinney.
"The purpose of the McKinney Veterans Memorial Park is to recognize the service of all veterans. By having their names engraved on a wall within the park, we will give special recognition to those from Collin County who lost their lives defending our country," said Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space Lemuel Randolph. "With local support through events like this, our community can really take pride and ownership in this special park."
Ronnie Foster, a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran from McKinney, has gathered 326 names of servicemen and women from across Collin County who died in every war or conflict beginning with World War I. His band, the Dog Town Honky-Tonk Blues Band, will perform at the concert.
"I began researching the names after a former high school classmate asked about my friend and fellow Marine, Bill Bryan. Bill died in Vietnam. I want Bill and every Veteran to be remembered for their service," said Foster.
Concert attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics. Free parking will be available. For a complete list of raffle items, visit the Collin County Freedom Fighters Web site at www.ccfreedomfighters.com. All proceeds will go to the construction of the Veterans Memorial Park in McKinney.
Source: City of McKinney
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vndoghandler says:
Way To Go, Ronnie Foster and the rest of the McKinney community. Thanks nfor remembering your, mine and everyones brothers. My name is Monty Slough United States Army Veteran of Viet Nam and retired. I have the DENTON COUNTY FALLEN SOLDIER MEMORIAL in Denton County. It is a Honoring tribute to ALL the Fallen Soldiers of Iraq And Afganistan and surrounding Areas. It is to nHonor the sacrifices of the Fallen nSoldiers and the sacrifices of the families. Welcome Home to ALL you Brothers Who are involved in this great endavor. MAY ALL OUR BROTHERS NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! Sincerely, Monty Slough/Denton County Fallen Soldier"s Memorial
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