MADISON – An impressive new monument now stands in Madison City Veteran Park as a tribute to the local veterans who died while in service to their country.

American Legion, Post 229 of Madison had the monument in place as part of its program during the annual Memorial Day Ceremony. The park is located on Front Street at the intersection with Church Street.

Madison American Legion Commander Carlos F. Woods said the former monument was damaged and its foam interior could not be repaired. Legionnaires salvaged granite pieces from the old monument.

During the ceremony, James Vance, Post 229 1st Vice Commander, related the park’s history as an entourage of city leaders and dignitaries joined Vance to unveil the monument for its rededication.

The monument has pillars for branches of the U.S. military. One pillar states that American Legion, Post 299 erected the monument, which was placed “in honor of LTC William (Bill) Daniel Meiers USA (Ret).”

The following quote by Elmer Davis is inscribed: “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”

Casualties from Madison in World War I were Pvt. James Burks, PFC Will Davis, Pvt. Dennis Fulks, PFC Jim Kirby, Sgt. Thomas Allen Lesky and Cpl. James Fletcher Stuart.

Soldiers who gave their lives In World War II were Pvt. Paul Jones Ennis, Pvt. James Floyd Ivy, Sgt. William Harry Landers; S/Sgt. Hershal Herbert McCann, Seaman Thomas Andrew Stewart and Capt. Jesse Ollie Wikle, Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor recipients are 1st Lt. Cecil H. Bolton and S/Sgt. Paul L. Bolden.

Soldiers killed in the Viet Nam War were 1st Lt. Raymond Horace James Jr., Lance Cpl. Roy Lee Moore, Spec. 5 Robert Thomas Nelson, Sgt. Willie Lewis Wallace and 1st Lt. Benjamin Gareth Wells.

The monument honors Pvt. E2 Michael Paul Bridges for the Middle East Conflict / War on Terrorism.

In addition, a note of patriotism from Lee Greenwood’s song is included: “I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free and won’t forget the men who died and gave that right to me.”

For more information, call 256-508-6548 or email woodscarlos12@gmail.com.