History of the Memorial
The Georgetown-Williamson County Veteran's Memorial Plaza located in Sun City, was built to honor the men and women who served in our armed forces during the 200-plus years of our country's history. The idea for a memorial was initially proposed by Retired Navy Commander Bob Kelety, a resident of Sun City Texas and veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the conflict in Vietnam. Even in the earliest years of the community, a high percentage of Sun City Texas residents served in our armed forces, and the organizers of the memorial felt that those veterans deserved to be recognized for their service. Due to his persistence, Bob Kelety's idea for a memorial was expanded with initial drawings, and a proposed site was selected along with a committee of residents who were given the responsibility for raising funds and overseeing the construction. The concept was approved by the Community Association Board of Directors on May 23, 2002, and the Veterans Memorial Steering Committee set about to raise approximately $200,000. Funds were raised by selling engraved bricks, which are still being sold today, and by seeking local businesses to be sponsors. By February 2003, the required funds were on hand including some service-in-kind provided by several companies. Construction began immediately, and the Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza was completed in record time to be dedicated on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2003.
Memorial Day 2003
Dawn began with a heavy rain. However, by the time for the ceremony, the rain had stopped, and the sun was peeking through the clouds. More than 2,500 residents, special guests, and visitors from throughout the county packed the entire area behind the Social Center to dedicate the Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza. The United States Air Force Band of the West from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio played patriotic music. The Army veteran chaplain gave the invocation. Color guards of three veterans from each service raised their service's flag to the accompaniment of that service's hymn or song. The Stars and Stripes were raised on the center flagpole, and the Georgetown Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Memorial Wall was uncovered, and the crowd sang the national anthem. Georgetown and Williamson County elected officials actively participated in the ceremony acknowledging that the Memorial rightfully belonged to all the people of Central Texas, not just Sun City Texas. The principal guest speaker was Army Chief Warrant Officer David Williams from Fort Hood, Texas. Warrant Officer Williams had been a helicopter pilot who had been shot down and captured in Iraq during the early days of "Operation Iraqi Freedom". Fortunately, he had been rescued by United States Marines and returned to his unit, the 1st Cavalry Division. The Williamson County Commissioner dedicated the Williamson County Memorial Wall containing the 165 names of those who had given their lives in combat while defending our country's freedom.
Present Day
Today, the Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza is embedded with more than 6000 engraved bricks to memorialize and honor Veterans, Active Duty, Military Units and Patriots. The two most recognized events are the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. Both events feature a full program of music, service recognition, and guest speakers. In 2023 the Veterans Memorial Plaza added a 9/11 Patriot Day ceremony to recognize the first responders and military who protect us every day and in remembrance of those Americans and veterans who died in the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.