Veterans Memorial Plaza

Please click here for a printable brocure.

The Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial located in Sun City was the concept in 2002 of Sun City resident and  retired Navy Cmdr. Robert Kelety, His thoughts for a memorial were to honor those men and women who have served or are serving in our military forces.

Developer Del Webb approved the concept of the memorial with the stipulation that it was to be fully funded prior to construction.

Through the efforts of a grass roots group of interested veterans--later to be known as the Veterans Memorial Advisory Group (VMAG)--the fund drive began. Within one year, the group had raised sufficient funds and construction began.

A Sun City resident designed the 82-foot limestone memorial wall. He also incorporated the 16-foot memorial wall commemorating the 170-plus service members from Williamson County who gave their lives during WWI, WWII, the, Korean War, the Vietnam conflict and the War on Terrorism.

The flags of the United States of America and Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine fly over the memorial. These flags are lighted and fly 24 hours-a-day. The memorial also recognizes our POW’s who endured horrific mental and physical hardships during these conflicts.

At this time, the plaza contains some 2,700 engraved bricks with the names of veterans from across the USA. There are also engraved bricks commemorating military campaigns as well as all 50 states and U.S. territorial possessions. The plaza is designed to accommodate additional engraved bricks for those wishing to recognize a veteran or unit.

The plaza was constructed by the Sun City Community Association at no cost to the CA, its residents, the City of Georgetown or Williamson County. Funding for the project came from the sale of engraved bricks at $75 each and from major sponsors (local businesses and organizations in the Georgetown and Williamson County area). Remaining funds and continuing brick sales are in a reserve account solely for maintenance and improvement of the memorial.

Policies governing the use of the plaza were developed by the VMAG and the Community Association and approved by the CA Board of Directors.

Initially, two trees were planted within the plaza to honor the service of two special individuals. SFC Nathan Chapman was the first U.S. service member killed during the war in Afghanistan. The second tree honors Oliver Walcott, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who served in the Revolutionary Army.

The Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza was officially dedicated on May 26, 2003. Patriotic programs are scheduled each year on Memorial and Veterans Day as well as other appropriate occasions.

In 2006, the VMAG in cooperation with the CA developed a plan to plant 15 Italian Cypress trees behind the memorial wall. These trees along with a plaque may be purchased by individuals or groups to honor an individual veteran.

On Sept. 11, 2008, the Robert Gilbert Liivingston Chapter of the National Daughters of the American Revolution planted a Drake elm tree in the Plaza.  It was dedicated to honor "General George Washington and the troops who fought in the war for American Independence".