Soldier's Memorial - Moore, OK - Non-Specific Veteran Memorials on Waymarking.com

This memorial stands on the north side of Veterans Memorial Park in Moore. A bronze plaque tells the story of how this memorial came to be:

Prior to the completion of the Soldiers’ Memorial the northeast corner of Veterans Memorial Park was a grassy area with four large mature trees and several smaller newly planted trees. The large trees were believed to be two walnut trees and two elm trees. The four large trees died during the winter of 08/09. City staff recommended that rather than simply cut down the trees that something useful and creative be done with them. It was suggested that, if possible, soldiers should be carved into the trees. An Oklahoma woodcarving artist, Clayton Coss, was contacted and after meeting with City staff and viewing the trees it was determined that the trees could be carved into soldiers. The 45th Infantry Brigade and the 45th Infantry Division Museum were contacted and times were set up to photograph individuals who volunteered to serve as models for the proposed carved soldiers.

In September 2009 the trees were cut down and transported to Clayton Coss’s workshop in Inola, Oklahoma. Using the four trees from this area, Mr. Coss began carving the soldiers into the trees in January 2010. Final delivery of the completed carved soldiers was made in March 2010. Work on the memorial site began in March 2010 as well. The four oak trees by the benches and 3-soldier platform were planted in March 2010. The concrete platforms for the soldiers, the sidewalks, and bench areas were completed in May 2010.

A ceremony to dedicate and unveil the soldiers was held in May 2010. The four soldiers represent the four major wars since the end of World War I. They include World War II (the lone soldier near the bridge), Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan/Iraq War (the three soldiers grouped in the area in front of you). Thanks to all of our veterans past and present who have helped provide the freedom we so much enjoy. Your fellow citizens are humbled and inspired by your courage, devotion to country, and sacrifices. The citizens of Moore say, "Thank you."

Each carved wood soldier has a plaque which gives the statistics from that war, and a quotation from a prominent leader of that time.

World War II (1941-1945)
Dead: 405,339
Wounded: 670,846
Missing: 30,314
"I cannot conceive that God has given any
man a richer, fuller more satisfying
life than mine, for it was spent in service
with, and for, that finest product of our
civilization - the American soldier."
General Matthew B. Ridgway

Afghanistan/Iraq (2001-Present Day)
Afghanistan Dead: 1,016
Wounded: 5,317
Iraq Dead: 4,390
Wounded: 31.739
Missing: 2
"...The soldier above all other people prays
for peace, for he must suffer and carry the
deepest wounds and scars of war."
General Douglas MacArthur

Vietnam (1964-1973)
Dead: 58,220
Wounded: 303,644
Missing: 2,489
"It is time that we recognized that ours
was in truth a noble cause."
President Ronald Reagan

Korea (1950-1953)
Dead: 36,574
Wounded: 103,284
Missing: 4,759
"Humility must always be the portion of any
man who receives acclaim earned in blood
of his followers and sacrifices of his friends."
General Dwight D. Eisenhower

Type of Memorial: Multi-War Memorial Wars mentioned (Multi-war only): World War II Korean War Vietnam War Afghanistan/Iraq Wars In Honor Of: Veterans and their selfless sacrificeand contribution in helping make us a free nation... Marker Text: See narrtative Date of dedication: May 15, 2010 Who Put it Here?: City of Moore Description of Memorial: See narrative

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Date Logged Log   09/22/2019 psteelman1 visited it 09/21/2017 The Snowdog visited it 05/15/2014 Max and 99 visited it

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