Less than two years ago, a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC, 80% the size of the original, arrived at Veterans Memorial Park in Kaufman—the only replica of its kind to be sent to Texas.

On Saturday, November 7, the Vietnam Memorial Wall of Texas became a permanent part of the park amid the pageantry of a 90-minute dedication ceremony that began at 3:00 p. m.

The dedication ceremony took place under clear skies and in unseasonably warm temperatures with at least 2,500 in attendance. Most of the spectators were seated within the star-shaped outdoor Veterans Memorial, which honors the servicemen and servicewomen from Kaufman County who have served in every U. S. war except the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Johnny D. Countryman, Chairman of the Vietnam Memorial Wall of Texas Committee, gave the welcome.

Serving as emcee for the dedication ceremony was Jody Dean, host of the show “Jody Dean and the Morning Team” which is broadcast each morning over KLUV radio (98.7 FM), a Dallas 1960s, 70s and 80s rock station.

Rev. Jerry Groom, First Assembly of God Church in Kaufman, gave the invocation. The invocation was followed by a posting of the Colors by the American Legion Post 165 Color Guard.

Ken Watterson, a Vietnam veteran who lives in Kaufman County, gave the invocation. Ms. Devin Renee Ibarra sang the National Anthem.

Almost at the instant Ms. Ibarra began singing the National Anthem, a U. S. Air Force jet fighter squadron performed a perfectly-timed fly-over in “missing man” formation.

*See the November 12, 2009 issue of the Forney Messenger for entire story and photos.