Posted 12:22 am Sunday, January 15, 2012
Jet Fighter Finds Home In Canton Veterans Memorial
By KELLY GOOCH
Staff Writer
CANTON — A historical jet reached its final destination Saturday morning, marking the next step in completing the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial Plaza.
Once flown in the Vietnam Conflict, the F-4D Phantom fighter jet, which serves as the centerpiece for the project, was towed from Texas highways 64 and 243 to the memorial site, at the intersection of Texas highways 19 and 243.
With coats on and cameras in place, an estimated 1,500 residents watched the plane make its one-mile trek. Many searched for the perfect spot to grab a photo, and phrases such as, “Here comes the jet,” could be heard from onlookers.
The jet culminated a parade that included grand marshal Field McConnell, who flew a F4 jet plane for about seven years, Cub Scouts, firefighters, Patriot Guard Riders, antique Jeeps, local dignitaries, such as Van Zandt County Judge Rhita Koches, State Rep. Dan Flynn and high school band members from across Van Zandt County.
Staff Writer
CANTON — A historical jet reached its final destination Saturday morning, marking the next step in completing the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial Plaza.
Once flown in the Vietnam Conflict, the F-4D Phantom fighter jet, which serves as the centerpiece for the project, was towed from Texas highways 64 and 243 to the memorial site, at the intersection of Texas highways 19 and 243.
With coats on and cameras in place, an estimated 1,500 residents watched the plane make its one-mile trek. Many searched for the perfect spot to grab a photo, and phrases such as, “Here comes the jet,” could be heard from onlookers.
The jet culminated a parade that included grand marshal Field McConnell, who flew a F4 jet plane for about seven years, Cub Scouts, firefighters, Patriot Guard Riders, antique Jeeps, local dignitaries, such as Van Zandt County Judge Rhita Koches, State Rep. Dan Flynn and high school band members from across Van Zandt County.
Canton resident Lonnie Davis said he was on-hand to show support for the memorial and veterans.
“I think it's an end to the goal,” he said as he stood with his grandson. “Like the American spirit, they achieved their goal.”
Canton resident Keri Hall said her 10-year-old son, Jared, has asked for months when the plane would be finished. It was refurbished, repainted and stored at a drilling site off Texas 64 before making its Saturday debut.
“Veterans came and talked (in the fall), and that was one of his questions,” Ms. Hall said, adding that her son even gave up a deer hunting trip so he could see the plane.
The event held special significance for Vietnam veteran Jerry Jones, who said the aircraft brought back memories.
“I was just anticipating the aircraft (because) I've seen them in action …” he said. “I have videos of them dropping bombs.”
“I think it's an end to the goal,” he said as he stood with his grandson. “Like the American spirit, they achieved their goal.”
Canton resident Keri Hall said her 10-year-old son, Jared, has asked for months when the plane would be finished. It was refurbished, repainted and stored at a drilling site off Texas 64 before making its Saturday debut.
“Veterans came and talked (in the fall), and that was one of his questions,” Ms. Hall said, adding that her son even gave up a deer hunting trip so he could see the plane.
The event held special significance for Vietnam veteran Jerry Jones, who said the aircraft brought back memories.
“I was just anticipating the aircraft (because) I've seen them in action …” he said. “I have videos of them dropping bombs.”
Jones' daughter, Elaina Carr, said for her, the jet's arrival “brings tears,” given that her father served in Vietnam and her brother served in Operation Desert Storm.
“We're just very proud. We're very proud to get to watch this,” she said.
Chris Duke, who teaches special education at Canton Junior High School, called the jet “a piece of history right in our neighborhood.”
She said she was pleased that the entire county was part of Saturday's event and wishes she could have brought all of her students.
Now that the jet is at its display location, the memorial committee is seeking help to ensure the completion of the plaza project, which has been in the works for about seven years.
Memorial director Harry Fontenot estimated that the project is likely 75 percent complete with its centerpiece. However, he said black marble granite still needs to be engraved with the names of Van Zandt County residents who were killed in action, and a bronze statue of a kneeling soldier is a work in progress.
The committee is trying to raise $200,000 to complete the project.
The goal is “to see the dedication, bravery, and sacrifices of all veterans,” Fontenot said. “We just want everyone (in all branches) to be represented.” A Marine helicopter and Navy anchor are among the items already in place, he said, and the committee is still trying to get a 42-foot Coast Guard boat.
Fontenot hopes to have an official memorial dedication on Memorial Day, Veterans Day or the Fourth of July.
“We're just very proud. We're very proud to get to watch this,” she said.
Chris Duke, who teaches special education at Canton Junior High School, called the jet “a piece of history right in our neighborhood.”
She said she was pleased that the entire county was part of Saturday's event and wishes she could have brought all of her students.
Now that the jet is at its display location, the memorial committee is seeking help to ensure the completion of the plaza project, which has been in the works for about seven years.
Memorial director Harry Fontenot estimated that the project is likely 75 percent complete with its centerpiece. However, he said black marble granite still needs to be engraved with the names of Van Zandt County residents who were killed in action, and a bronze statue of a kneeling soldier is a work in progress.
The committee is trying to raise $200,000 to complete the project.
The goal is “to see the dedication, bravery, and sacrifices of all veterans,” Fontenot said. “We just want everyone (in all branches) to be represented.” A Marine helicopter and Navy anchor are among the items already in place, he said, and the committee is still trying to get a 42-foot Coast Guard boat.
Fontenot hopes to have an official memorial dedication on Memorial Day, Veterans Day or the Fourth of July.
