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WE MUST NEVER FORGET THEM
A TRIBUTE TO

Official Groundbreaking Ceremonies - June 7th, 2012                                                      (Click each image for an enlarged version with text)
Chet Wright, WWII Veteran.Closer photo of some of the veterans present.The Honor Guard fires a salute.Local officials were present for the Groundbreaking and to show their support.The special shovels used for this special day...A smaller version of the statue.Taps was played at the Groundbreaking. Veterans breaking ground!Pouring foundations with rebar.Additional foundation work being done on the Memorial. Construction road leading to the memorial site.The foundational center of the Memorial is in place now.The concrete apron around the memorial being poured. Rebar placed and fixed ahead of time.Pouring concrete. Hard work!The apron concrete has been poured and finished and is now allowed to cure.The donors to the Avon World War II Memorial Park. Their donations have helped raise over $104,000 for the Park.Terry Lee Honda General Manager Marcus Schuh (left) and Terry Lee Honda Owner Terry Lee are contributors to the WWII Memorial Park in Avon. They are pictured with Avon Town Council member Michael Rogers. Avon Parks Foundation Members: Pat Laughlin, Sara Sara Kunze Hubbard, Melissa Lubbert, Sharon Howell and Ryan Cannon.Avon Town Council member Michael Rogers was also a contributor to the park.Dr. Robert Sexton helped finish the job with his donation.Representatives of the Hendricks County Community Foundation include Board President Alice McColgin and newly-named Executive Director William Rhodehamel, along with Avon Town Council member Michael Rogers.Melissa Yetter of Hendricks Power Cooperative, a corporate donor to the park is photographed with Avon Town Council member, Michael Rogers.Ret. General Chet Wright serves as the inspiration for the bronze statue that will be the centerpiece of the Avon WW II Memorial Park. He is pictured here with Avon Town Council member Michael Rogers.John Shelton of First Merchants Bank and Mike Rogers, Avon Town Council. Dr. John Sparzo representing Hendricks Regional Health donated to the memorial park.IU Health West Hospital CEO Matt Bailey presents a check to the Avon Parks Foundation for $10,000. Pictured alongside Avon Town Council member Michael Rogers, the money will help facilitate the construction of the Avon WWII Memorial Park.Fred and Hendricks County Commissioner Phyllis Palmer donated personally to the Avon WWII Memorial Park. To the right is Avon Town Council member Michael Rogers.Preparing the first flag pole.Carrying the first flag pole.First step in setting the first flag pole.Fifth step in setting the first flag pole.Adjusting the first flag pole.Flag raising on September 11, 2012.Flag raising on September 11, 2012.Flag raising on September 11, 2012.Flag raising on September 11, 2012.Flag raising on September 11, 2012.Flag raising on September 11, 2012.Flag raising on September 11, 2012.Flag raising on September 11, 2012.Flag raising on September 11, 2012.Flag raising on September 11, 2012.Flag raising on September 11, 2012.The statue is really well done. Here is a photo of it so you can see it entirely. Very nice!Here is the stone base for the memorial statue. Big!The equipment required to lift and place a stone like this is substantial. Additionally, it requires special tools to work the stone and shape it. Another photo of the stone base. Heavy!Smooth side after cutting. Group photo with General Umbarger, the Commander of the Indiana National Guard. He visited Park Square Manor to surprise Chet with the unveiling of the statue.Close up of the statue. Well done!Another front view photo of the statue.Chet himself before his likeness. General Umbarger, the Commander of the Indiana National Guard. He visited Park Square Manor to surprise Chet with the unveiling of the statue. Massive stone blocks are set into place.Massive stone blocks signifying various branches of the service.Setting the bronze feet and anchor bolts.The covered statue being set in its final location in preparation for the May4th, 2013 dedication ceremony.
Groundbreaking video.  Click HERE if you wish to view larger version on YouTube.