SAN BENITO, Texas – The Coast Guard participated in a ceremony held Monday to dedicate the San Benito Veterans War Memorial. Lt. Joshua Sagers, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station South Padre Island, provided remarks for the dedication and Seaman Brittney Price represented the Coast Guard by raising a flag during the ceremony.
The Memorial is located in the 100 block of South Sam Houston Ave., San Benito, Texas. The Memorial will represent all services-Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard by displaying the flag of each service on five separate flag poles in a semi- circle around a seven foot bronze rifle/bayonet inverted with a battle helmet as its crown. A separate flag pole located near the granite memorials will display POW and MIA flags.
The monument has been completed, except for the granite markers for the names of Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan conflicts, and bronze figurines to symbolize patriotism. This project has been 10 years in the planning and construction by the San Benito Veterans Advisory Committee, which consists of : Victor Garza, Chairman; Lt. Cmdr. Charles R. Wilson, Vice Chairman; Pilar Vega; Ovidio I. Gonzalez and Sandra Tumberlinson..
Lt. Cmdr. Wilson retired from the Coast Guard in 1972, having served years 27 years on active duty. He entered as a Seaman Recruit, later received a commission as an Officer and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. He has specialty was in the engineering field and served on several cutters, including as the Engineering Officer on the cutters Durable and Iris.
With the help of the City Staff, funds were obtained for planning and construction. The architect and engineering on the project were Pro-Bono. Funds for construction were provided by the City Economic Development Corporation. Donations are on going for items not cover with construction funds.
