(Batesville, IN) – Memorial Day in Batesville took on an extra meaning when the new Veterans Memorial at Liberty Park was unveiled.
The memorial surrounds the flag pole just outside of the Pavilion, and each branch of the Armed Forces is represented by an eight-foot-high monument (pictured).
“This day is a day I’ve been waiting for, for over a year, when Batesville Monument approached me last year about a possible Veterans Memorial at Liberty Park,” said Batesville Parks Commissioner Mike Baumer during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the Pavilion. “As a Navy veteran, I was all ears, and after some discussion, it was decided to construct a Veterans Monument just outside the Pavilion.
“At this time, it was just an idea, and then things started rolling,” Baumer added. “It seemed like within a week or so, a plan was in place and they were sending me their ideas. I was absolutely floored by what I was seeing and could not wait to see their ideas come to fruition.”
After a break during the winter months, the large black parts were safely shipped from India, and the work started up again, Baumer said.
“Etching and engraving was completed on the top portions, the memorials were set in place by a huge crane on May 16,” he added.
“The goal from Day One was to create a Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day 2024,” Baumer said.
The monuments were unveiled following the Memorial Day program.
We have video of the ceremony and unveiling on the WRBI Facebook page.
Photos of the memorial during the ceremony can be found here.
