Belton Veterans Park
Belton, SC
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Planning, Fund Raising & Construction
Belton Veterans Park was created to honor all veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Planning began for the Park in 1995 by the local American Legion Post 51. The initial design for the Park was done by local resident Michael Edwards. Funding for the park came from citizens, civic organizations, corporate donations, county and local governments. Six hundred inscribed bricks were sold at $100 each and laid as part of veterans walk. A monument was erected in the center of the park which has the inscribed names of veterans from Greater Belton who have given their lives in the service of their country. Above the inscribed names on the monument is an eagle which was drawn by John Preston Felkel. The American flag and the respective flag from each branch of service surround the back half of the monument. The POW/MIA flag flies below the American flag. At the base of each flag is a stone marker indicating those who donated the flag poles. The county government paved the parking lot and donated funds to build the brick wall in front of the park facing Anderson Street. The sprinkler system was donated by Carroll Hart of Belton Industries. The gas light fixture illuminating the walkway in front of the monument was donated by Albert Motes. Through June 2002, approximately $75,000 has been raised for the Belton Veterans Park.
Ground Breaking
Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Belton Veterans Park was held on Saturday, July 20, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. Master of Ceremonies for the event was Commander Charles Campbell of American Legion Post 51. Rev. Carl Lindsey of Shady Grove Baptist Church gave the Invocation and Charles Campbell introduced the guests. Also on the program was Belton Mayor Leo Fisher, President of Belton Area Council Rex Maynard, State Representative Ronald P. Townsend, SSG Souther of the 116th Signal Company (Belton National Guard), and Dr. Earl F. Mathis of Mt. Zion Baptist Church gave the Benediction.
Ground breaking with the shovels were: (Left to Right)
Pete Burton, Rex Maynard, State Rep. Ronny Townsend, Anderson County Councilman
Harvey Bannister, American Legion Post 51 commander Charles Campbell, City
Councilman Sam Hanks, Mayor Leo Fisher, Mayor Pro Tem Wallace Shaw and Johnnye
King of First Federal Savings and Loan.
Serving on the committee to raise funds for the park and the ground breaking ceremonies were: Charles Campbell, Peter Burton, Michael Edwards, Joe Coward and Martin Brown.
Dedication of Belton Veterans Park
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| Estimated Attendance: Over 1000 | Opening Remarks: Charles Campbell |
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| Color Guard | Placing of the Wreath |
Belton Veterans Park was dedicated and the monument unveiled in a ceremony held on Sunday, May 25, 1997 at 3:00 p.m. It was estimated that 1000 people attended the event. The ceremony was as conducted follows.
Rev. Booker Bagby (retired Baptist Minister) gave the invocation followed by opening remarks by Charles Campbell. There was a Presentation of Colors by the Color Guard of the local National Guard, America the Beautiful was sung by the Second Baptist Church Choir, Prayer by Rev. Donnie Gambrell of New Hope Baptist Church, Unveiling of the Monument, The National Anthem and Raising of the Flags, Pledge of Allegiance led by B-HP High School AFJROTC, Reading of the Names of Those Who Gave Their Lives was read by Martin Brown, and Placing of the Wreath was by Mayor Leo Fisher and Councilman Sam Hanks. The ceremony was completed with a 21-Gun Salute and the Playing of TAPS.
Serving on the Belton Veterans Park Committee at the time of the dedication ceremony were: Charles Campbell, Peter Burton, Martin Brown, Joe Coward, Michael Edwards, Ben Pinson and Leonard Campbell.
The following words were editorialized in the News-Chronicle by Elaine Ellison-Rider:
"...When Martin Brown read the names of those veterans who had died in the wars, the crowd was
completely silent. The only sound was of the wind blowing as he read, one by one, the names of those veterans who gave all they had for the freedom of our country.
It was, without a doubt, the most emotional moment of the entire ceremony.
What was striking and gave great dignity to the ceremony was the lack of commercialism from politicians or other groups. It was a brief, somber ceremony.
We'd like to thank all those people who took part in the program, especially the members of the American Legion Post 51 who put in many, many hours raising money for the project and overseeing its construction.
Most of all, we'd like to say thank you to the men who gave their lives, but thank you just isn't enough to say.
This memorial park was a long time in coming for Belton.
And, without a doubt, it was worth waiting for."
Responsibility & Upkeep
The Belton Veterans Park Committee is responsible for the Park and its upkeep. The City of Belton keeps the grass cut.
Anyone having a question about the park can write to:
Belton Veterans Park
c/o American Legion Post 51
PO Box 663
Belton, SC 29627