Published: October 23, 2007 03:10 pm         

Minco dedicates Veteran’s Memorial

Saturday was a big day for Minco residents.

First, they dedicated a new Veteran’s Memorial, next, they held a ribbon-cutting for the new Minco Historical Society Museum.

Several hundred people were on hand for both ceremonies which included Oklahoma State Trooper Stan McConnell singing the national anthem and several speeches by such notables as Minco Mayor Kelly Rupp, State Representative Phil Richardson, State Representative Gary Banz and President of the Minco Historical Society Chris Johnson.

“We should take so much pride as a community,” said Rupp. “The veteran’s group and the Historical Society started this on their own. They raised their own money through donations, their membership and fundraisers. This is completely citizen-controlled and these groups really got it together. It’s pretty exciting, because as Minco grows, this will help us remember who we are and where we are going.”

“We’re off to a good start,” said Johnson. “But we’ve got a long way to go. I appreciate all the hard work that everybody’s done.”

The new Veteran’s Memorial consists of a series of gray granite slabs containing the names of local veterans as well as the names of Minco residents who gave their lives for their country.

Behind the slabs wave Old Glory and the flag of Oklahoma, flanked by the flags of the branches of the armed forces.

A sidewalk, soon to be filled with pavers engraved with the names of donors, meanders its way toward a sparkling white gazebo surrounded by dozens of American flags flapping in the Oklahoma wind.

“I am the Spirit of America,” read by Rep. Banz, brought tears to the eyes of many, and more tears flowed as Myrna Bruce sang “God Bless the U. S. A.”

Dylan Hayes, the youngest lifetime member of the Minco Historical Society, cut the blue ribbon, officially opening the new museum.

“He is our youngest lifetime member because he is our future,” said Johnson.

Inside, visitors signed the guestbook and strolled around the new building that still smelled of fresh paint looking at hand-made quilts, antiques and many old photos of Minco the way it looked in its heyday.