Veterans, elected officials, city staff, and community members gathered Wednesday morning, Jan. 10, for the dedication of Veterans Memorial Parkway (SH 105 bypass) at 2409 E. Houston in Cleveland.
The ceremony began with an invocation honoring the sacrifices made by service members and those who gave their lives in defense of the nation. Attendees were encouraged to remember those sacrifices each time they travel the roadway.
Cleveland Mayor Danny Lee welcomed the crowd and thanked the many individuals who helped bring the project to completion.
“It touches my heart to see all the veterans here,” Lee said. “We’re honored to be able to recognize them in this way.”
Lee credited Willie Carter for leading the effort and also thanked city staff, council members, State Representative Janis Holt, Cleveland ISD representatives and other community leaders for their support.
Carter said the designation had been years in the making and required the cooperation of numerous individuals and departments.
“This has been a long process,” Carter said. “A lot of people worked together to make it happen, and I’m thankful for everyone who helped.”
State Representative Janis Holt addressed the crowd, speaking both as a legislator and the daughter of a World War II veteran.
“My dad was a waist gunner on a B-24 and flew more than 40 missions out of England during World War II,” Holt said. “I’m proud to be the daughter of a veteran.”
Holt said honoring veterans is essential and presented a certificate recognizing the unveiling ceremony and the renaming of the roadway.
Following the presentation, city officials, veterans, and community members gathered for the unveiling of the Veterans Memorial Parkway sign.
Members of VFW Post 1839 also participated in the ceremony. Post Commander Welch thanked the city and everyone involved in making the project happen.
“Roads connect communities, but they also connect our history,” Welch said. “By renaming this roadway, future generations will be reminded of the sacrifices made by those who served our country.”
Welch encouraged residents to preserve and share veterans’ stories with younger generations.
Several local veterans attended the ceremony, including members of VFW Post 1839.