July 9, 2023
Brick order #10 arrived last week and will be placed on the “Walk of Honor” whenever the weather cooperates. I’ll keep you posted. God Bless to All!!
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June 27, 2023
The military emblem for the Space Force has arrived. Thanks to my son Mark, who made the podium for it to be set on, placed it in the park this evening. Great job son! God Bless to All!!
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May 26, 2023
Around this time last year, the board put a hold on future brick orders for the “Walk of Honor’ due to the curvature of the walkway, which was marked with markings similar to those used for floor markings UK, creating an increasingly large gap between the bricks and the walkway in hopes of finding a viable option. Over the next year a few orders came as they were not aware of the hold so we honored their request which ostensibly became 2 small orders. Order #9 arrived this week and was placed yesterday and order #10 should arrive in a couple of weeks. After placement of order (#9) yesterday the board has determined that not only is the curvature is an issue but the increasing amount of rocks and concrete that was used during the construction of the levee is becoming an issue as well making it very difficult to place the bricks uniformly. Since there seems to be no viable option the board has regretfully decided to discontinue the process after order #10 is placed. As with all previous orders, we have to wait at least 24 hours before we can completely clean the bricks from the minimal amount concrete residue that always has to be addressed. I’ll keep you posted on order #10. Thanks for understanding & God Bless to All!!
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May 21, 2023
So proud to announce the addition of the Space Force Flag placed in the park May 19 by Flagpole Express, thanks much Bryan! The military mark has been ordered and will be placed at the base of the flagpole like those presently in the park when it arrives. Thank you to everyone who visits the park. God Bless to All!!
April 21, 2023
The flood lights for the Space Force Flag and Gold Star Family Plaque have arrived and will be placed next week. Thank you to everyone who visits the park. God Bless to All!!
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April 18, 2023
Hello Everyone!!
So proud to announce we recently placed a plaque in the park in honor of and dedicated to Gold Star Families. The light for it will be placed soon. Thank you to everyone who visits the park. God Bless to All!!
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September 1, 2022
Hello Everyone!!
There will be a ceremony on POW/MIA Day, September 16, 2022 at 6:30pm at the POW/MIA chair on the levee. Please join us to honor our POW’s and those still listed as MIA. God Bless to All!!
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July 15, 2022
Hello Everyone!!
Thanks to the electrician the burned out marker & flag lights have been replaced, thanks James!. He found that another light had gone out so it’s replacement is now on order. The 3 walkway lights have still not arrived so continue to be careful out there when walking the park after dark. I’ll keep you informed when they are replaced. God Bless to All!!
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June 30, 2022
Hello Everyone!!
The replacement lights for the 6 markers & the 2 military flags that are presently out have finally arrived!! The electrician is on vacation but will be back next Tue. and the lights will be replaced. The 3 walkway lights have not come in yet so continue to be careful when walking the park after dark in those areas. I’ll let you know when they arrive. God Bless to All!!
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May 14, 2022
Hello Everyone!!
There has been no viable option brought forth to date as to what we can do concerning placing additional bricks on the “Walk of Honor” so, at this point, all future orders are still on hold. I’ll keep you posted. God Bless to All!!
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February 10. 2022
Hello Everyone!!
Brick order #8 was placed this afternoon on the “Walk of Honor”. As with all orders, please remember the bricks will have to set up for a few days before we can clean the residue off. Including today’s brick order placement we have 550 bricks on the “Walk of Honor”.
The board is still looking for a solution concerning the “Walk of Honor” so all future orders are still temporarily on hold until we decide how to move forward. I’ll keep you posted. God Bless to All!!
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February 7, 2022
June 23, 2020
Hello Everyone!
Just want to let everyone know I’ve received an email from our brick printers informing me that they are finally open, printing orders and will be ready to receive Brick Order #6 next week. It normally takes 3 to 4 months to achieve the minimum order quantity required then 7 to 8 weeks to receive the order back so this will be the last order for the year. The last day to purchase a brick in this order is June 30th & since we still have a few days left, I encourage anyone who wants a brick on the “Walk of Honor” this year, please download, print & fill out the brick form that you can find at the “Purchase Order” Tab. Mail or email (preferable) to me at the address listed on the form. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. God Bless to All!!
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June 16, 2020
Hello Everyone!
Hope everyone enjoyed Flag Day Sun, June 14th and flew “Old Glory” in honor of the day. Just want to let all know the replacement lights for the park have still not arrived, the delay is, of course, due to the virus. We will let all know when they arrive and have been placed at the park. We are also planning a clean-up/fix up day at the park to clean the markers & the military marks, re-stain the bridge and repaint the dock but a definite date has not been set as of the post. We’ll keep you posted. Everyone stay safe! God Bless to All!!
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March 18, 2020
Hello Everyone!
Just want all to know that we are canceling the Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony scheduled for March 29, 2020. Stay safe everyone!
On another note, Brick Order #6 is still in process, however, the virus has obviously delayed printing. The company will be contacting me whenever they are cleared to open, are up and running and let will me know of any delays they may be at hand. I’ll keep you informed. God Bless to All!!
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March 12, 2020
Hello Everyone!
DeSoto County Veterans Park and Rolling Thunder MS Chapter 2 is honored to hold a Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony, March 29th at 2:00pm at the park. Mark Gardner & Gary Pounders will play Taps, Steve Bales will give the invocation, Joshua Mays will sing our National Anthem & Percy Lynchard will be the keynote speaker. All are welcome!
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December 18th, 2019
Hello Everyone!
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a most prosperous New Year! God Bless to All!!
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December 1st, 2019
Hello Everyone!
Just want to let everyone know Brick Order #6 is now in process. It usually takes approximately 3 to 4 months to reach the minimum amount required then 4 to 6 weeks to process and ship the order back so it looks like maybe an early spring delivery. The quicker we get started the quicker we’ll get them back so y’all spread the word! God Bless to All!!
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November 12, 2019
Hello Everyone!
Thanks so much to all those that came to the Veterans Day Ceremony. As expected the weather forced us move to the Grand Hall at the Landers Center and our thanks to them for accommodating us. The set up provided was great. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! God Bless to All!!!
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November 6, 2019
Hello Everyone!
Just want to let all know that Brick Order #5 was placed yesterday morning and they look great!! To find which side your family member or members brick or bricks were placed, check the Brick Location Tab, East or West, and look for your order number.
On another note, it looks like there’s a possibility of inclement weather during our Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11th @ 2:00pm. If so, the ceremony will be held at the Landers Center Grand Hall which is located at the main entrance on the west side of Landers where the flags are. God Bless to All!!!!
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October 13, 2019
Hello Everyone!
Don’t forget our second annual Veterans Day Ceremony, Nov. 11th at 2:00 pm at the park to honor those who served our nation. A wreath will be placed at the Ultimate Sacrifice marker, the Horn Lake Jr. ROTC will present the colors, Mr. Percy Lynchard will be the keynote speaker and Caleb Strawn from Lewisburg High School will play Taps & Mr. Olin Pickens, a WWII POW, will be the honored guest. God Bless to All!!!
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September 13, 2019
Hello Everyone!
Here’s an update with more specifics as to our POW/MIA ceremony coming up Sep. 20th. at 6:30 pm.and our Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11th at 2:00 pm at the park. Both events are open to the public.
At the POW/MIA ceremony The Missing Man Table will be displayed and an explanation will be given as to what each item on the table represents. Mr. Dave Mullins will explain the meaning of the POW/MIA flag and Mr. Paul Clever with MRSEA (Maximum Recovery South East Asia) will be the keynote speaker & Mr. Olin Pickens, a WWII POW will be the honored guest.
Security will be directing traffic at Pepper Chase and Venture Dr. and you will have to let them know you are coming to the park event and not attending the fair at Landers Center so they will allow you pass. Please be aware and take into consideration there may be more traffic than usual due to the fair so you may want to plan to leave your home accordingly. God Bless to All!!
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September 9, 2019
Hello Everyone!
The DeSoto County Veterans Park is having a ceremony on POW/MIA Day, Sep. 20th, at 6:30 @ the POW/MIA Chair on the levee at the park. Security will be directing traffic at Pepper Chase and Venture Dr. and you will have to let them know you are coming to the park event and not attending the fair at Landers Center so they will allow you to pass. Please be aware and take into consideration there may be more traffic than usual due to the fair so you may want to plan to leave your home accordingly.
Also, we are having our second Veterans Day Ceremony on Veterans Day, Nov. 11th, at 2:00 at the park. Both events are open to the public. God Bless to All!!!
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July 25, 2019
Hello Everyone!
THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL THAT CAME TO THE GOLD STAR BANQUET!! We had a great time and raised a lot of money to go towards the pavilion for the park. If anyone knows who won the picture titled “The Offering” you left the framed poem “LZ in the Sky” that tells the story about the picture that was with it. Please call one of the numbers on the website and we’ll see about getting it to you.
A special thanks to Mr. Buddy Terrell, a 95 years young WWII veteran who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, God Bless You and thank you for your service Sir.
We’d like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Gold Star family Ross & Sissy Ose for attending our event and accepting a U.S. Flag flown at the U.S. Capital in Washington, D.C. and a State of MS. Flag flown at the State Capital in Jackson. MS. in honor of their son Joshua.
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July 2, 2019
Hello Everyone!!
Just want y’all to know that tickets for the Gold Star Banquet are no longer available at Dabbs Gun & Pawn in Southaven but are still available at the Am. Legion in Horn Lake and The Gun Shop in Hernando and you can also purchase them here on the website via Pay Pal and we’ll have your tickets at the door. Be sure your name appears on your Pay Pal payment. Get yours today! God Bless to All!!!!
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June 28, 2019
Hello Everyone!!
A concept of the look we are anticipating for the pavilion that will be placed in the park is available on FB @ DeSoto County Veterans Park so please check it out!! Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Gold Star Banquet. They are available at The American Legion Post 134, 2520 Goodman Rd. W. Horn Lake, Ms. (open from 12pm to 9pm Sun. thru Thur. and 12pm to 12am Fri. and Sat.), Dabbs Gun & Pawn, 7957 Hwy. 51, Southaven, Ms. (open from 9am to 5pm Mon. thru Sat.) and The Gun Shop, 2440 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Hernando, Ms. (open from 9am to 5pm Mon. thru Fri., 10am to 3pm Sat.) or via Pay Pal here a the website and we’ll have your tickets at the door. Be sure your name appears on your Pay Pal payment. There’s not a better place to be than in the presence of a group of Veterans!! See more in-depth info concerning the banquet in the previous post below. God Bless to All!!!!
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May 15, 2019
Hello Everyone!
The Gold Star Banquet is scheduled for July 20th at Cypress Hall in Hernando, Ms. & will include a meal, a live auction, and 2 raffles and we have some great items. Tickets are $45 single/$70 couple (pre-buy) or $50/$75 (at the door). Tables for 8 are also available. The “Colonel” table is $1000 & includes 8 meals, 16 Major raffle tickets & 80 Minor raffle tickets, the “Lt. Colonel” table is $500 & includes 8 meals, 8 Major raffle tickets & 40 Minor raffle tickets. Major raffle items are valued from $100 to $500 and Minor raffle items are valued from $25 to $100. All proceeds will go toward a pavilion placed in the DeSoto County Veterans Park in Southaven, Ms. and dedicated to Gold Star Families. The attire for the banquet is casual!!! God Bless to All!!
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May 12, 2019
Hello Everyone!
We are still waiting on the updated rendering (or drawing) and it appears we may receive it this week. I’ll be picking up the banquet tickets tomorrow and I’ll let everyone know where & when they will be available for purchase. We’ll keep you posted. God Bless to All!!
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May 5, 2019
Hello Everyone!
We had to move the location of the pavilion in the park, so we are waiting on an updated rendering (or drawing) from a company previously under consideration as Reed’s Metals could not work out the changes we requested. We’ll let you know as soon as said rendering is received. We are also having a banquet planned to raise funds for the pavilion and the public is invited. As soon as tickets are available I’ll let everyone know where they can be purchased. We’ll keep you posted. God Bless to All!!
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March 30, 2019
Hello Everyone!
We are keeping in touch with Reed’s in case they can work out the changes we requested as well as continuing to look into other possible vendors but no news to report so far. We’ll keep you posted. God Bless to All!!
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February 28, 2019
Hello Everyone!
Got a call yesterday from a couple that was walking at the park. They were kind enough to inform us the U.S. flag and the POW/MIA flag both needed to be replaced as they were tattered. Thank you so much for the call!!! We replaced those flags this morning and have also ordered new flags for each military branch as we noticed it won’t be long before they need to be replaced as well. Thanks again for the call!!
On another note, we’re getting ever closer to the pavilion being placed in the park. Requested changes have been sent to Reed’s and we are awaiting new architectural drawings and a new rendering. We’ll keep you posted as things progress. God Bless to All!!!
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February 8, 2019
Hello Everyone!
Progress on the pavilion is moving along. The board reviewed and voted on all proposals for the pavilion. By unanimous vote, Reed’s Metals in Tupelo, MS. will be erecting the pavilion with a few requested changes. No specific time or date can be given at this time as to it’s completion, it all depends on the weather, but we’re hoping for early spring. I’ll keep all informed as things progress. God Bless to All!!
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January 30, 2019
Hello Everyone!
Hope you all had a wonderful New Year!! Brick order #5 is in process so be sure to get your orders in, the sooner we meet our minimum order quantity the sooner we’ll get them back. God Bless to All!!
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December 23, 2018
Hello Everyone!!
Troy the Brick Mason laid brick order #4 Monday the 17th and, as usual, they look great!!! Thanks so much Troy!!! Once the bricks and mortar cure we will be out there cleaning them, basically removing the dust residue. Brick order #5 is now open and we are taking orders. I’ll keep all informed as we progress.
Just want to let you know we have our Veterans Park signs on the interstate. We’d like to express our sincere appreciation to MS. Senator David Parker for his assistance in getting our Veterans Park signs on I-55 as well as the off ramps, both north & south bound, they look great! Thanks again Senator!!!
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October 6, 2018
Hello Everyone!!
The new lights on the “Walk of Honor” are up. Bryan from Flagpole Express, that donated the poles for the new lights we purchased, came out and set them last week and they look and work great! It’s amazing how much more light is afforded to those who walk the “Walk of Honor” looking for their Veterans bricks. We can’t thank Bryan enough for all he’s done for us and the park, he’s a super guy! If your looking for beautiful, top of the line flag poles for your yard or business, there’s no one better than Flagpole Express! God Bless to All!!
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September 1, 2018
Hello Everyone!!
Have a great update on the pole for the “Walk of Honor” light!!! Got a call from Bryan with Flag Pole Express and he requested we come his place by this morning and get not 1, not 2, but 3 poles he was donating to the park for the “Walk of Honor” lights. All the poles in the park, both flag poles and light poles, will match. WOW, what an awesome guy!! If you want a flag pole in you’re yard, (we have 5 at our home) or your place of business, this is the gentleman you need to call! Great guy that does a great job at a reasonable price. When we determine where they will be placed he’s going to set them at no charge, but we’re going to provide the concrete. I’ll keep you posted. God Bless to All!!
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August 23, 2018
Hello Everyone!!
Update on the pole for the “Walk of Honor” light! Called Lowe’s yesterday and learned that someone was supposed to call us and let us know the pole we ordered was not available and a credit would be issued. So it wasn’t the manager who dropped the ball, it was someone else, but I will inform him that someone did. Glad I called or I still wouldn’t know anything! Contacted Flag Pole Express, where we purchased the flag poles for the park, and he quoted us a great price and he will install it. With board approval, the pole will the ordered and light will be up. I’ll keep you posted. God Bless to All!!
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August 21, 2018
Hello Everyone!!
Here’s an update concerning the possibility of using some kind of high gloss or semi-gloss sealant on the bricks. I talked with the brick engraving company and she contacted they’re brick manufacturer and they strongly suggest not to put anything on them.
On another note:
When we placed order #3 on the “Walk of Honor” we noticed there were places that needed more light on the bricks, so we purchased a solar one. It required a tall pole so we placed a special order for one from Lowe’s on the 6th with a scheduled arrival on the 10th. We went to pick it up and it had not arrived nor could they find where it had been ordered! Oh well, things happen, so we placed the order again with a “we’ll call you when it arrives, it shouldn’t be long.” As of this post, and after having just checked the tracking number, it’s still not here. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement! Lowe’s has been superb when it came to anything dealing with the park until this, maybe it’s due to a new manager! I’ll keep you posted. God Bless to All!!
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July 29, 2018
Hello Everyone!!
Went to the park early this morning and checked out the bricks. The rain the other day helped but there was still some mortar dust residue. It took about 45 min. with the cleaning solution to go over them and they look a lot better. We’ll be checking with our contact at the brick engraver company tomorrow to see if there is any kind of high gloss or semi-gloss sealant we can use on them. I’ll keep you posted. God Bless to All!!
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July 26, 2018
Hello Everyone!!
Brick order #3 was laid yesterday evening, July 25, by Troy the Brick Mason with help from his family. He’s reasonable and he did a great job! He also replaced 3 bricks for us. If you have any kind of brick work you need done or a project you want done, he’s the guy! Check out his work at troythebrickmason.com and call 901-281-3835. We went out today to clean them up a little. Due to the replacements, which had to be cut out, there was, and still is, some mortar dust residue on the bricks. We used what clean water we had but we will go back again unless we get lucky and get some rain!! I’ll keep you posted. God Bless to All!!
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July 6, 2018
Hello Everyone!
Hope all had a great 4th of July, remembered and honored our Veterans and celebrated the 242nd birthday of our wonderful county. Brick order #3 is scheduled for engraving and delivery the week of the 16th. I’ll keep you posted.
On another note, the architectural concepts of a pavilion & museum are beautiful, and we received approval last month. We will concentrate on the pavilion this year and possibly the museum next year. I’ll keep you posted on this as well. In the meantime, check out the 4 newly stained picnic tables that are in the park, they look beautiful! God Bless to All!!
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Jan. 11, 2018
Hello Everyone!
Hope you all had a wonderful New Year! We are in the process of updating the website now that our beautiful park is open. We have had SO much positive response to the park and we are SO proud of it. It was truly a labor of love to honor our precious Veterans. We will be posting updates when warranted throughout the year. Thanks again to everyone who came together to make this park possible! God Bless to All!!
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December 31, 2017
Hello Everyone!
A heartfelt “THANK YOU” to all that participated, donated, and visited the park this year, you are all the best!! We also want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2018! God Bless to all!!
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