Nestled in the heart of La Vernia City Park in Wilson County, Texas, the La Vernia Veterans Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. Completed in October 2025 and managed by the La Vernia Historical Association—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—the memorial offers meaningful ways for families, friends, and communities to personalize their honors through engraved bricks, wall inscriptions, and benches. These elements not only preserve the legacies of veterans but also create a pathway of remembrance for visitors to reflect on sacrifices made for freedom.
The Memorial's Design and Purpose
The memorial features engraved granite slabs, personalized bricks along the Patriots’ Pathway, and dedicated benches, each contributing to a narrative of courage and commitment. Its primary goal is to honor living or deceased U.S. veterans who have completed their service honorably in branches such as the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, or Space Force. While a connection to La Vernia or Wilson County—such as residency, family ties, or fond memories—is encouraged, residency is not strictly required, making it accessible to a broader circle of admirers.
The site hosts annual events, including a Veterans Day ceremony on November 11 at 11:00 a.m., with a special completion ceremony planned for 2025 (rain date: December 7 at 2:00 p.m.). These gatherings provide opportunities to unveil new inscriptions and bricks, fostering community unity.
Wall Inscriptions: Etching Names in Stone
One of the most prominent features is the Veterans Wall, where names are permanently engraved on granite slabs. Each inscription costs $150, a non-refundable fee that covers engraving expenses rather than serving as a donation. Applications are accepted year-round but are engraved twice annually—before Memorial Day and Veterans Day—with deadlines on April 12 and October 12, respectively. A minimum of 10 orders is required to proceed with engraving.
Eligibility and Formatting Guidelines
- Requirements: Proof of honorable service, such as a DD214 or equivalent, must be submitted. For pre-1870 service, historical records suffice. Each inscription is dedicated to one veteran per branch of service.
- Content: Limited to three lines with up to 20 characters each (including spaces and punctuation). The veteran's name must appear on the first line, followed by details like branch, rank, medals, service dates, theater, or occupational specialty. All text is in uppercase, centered by the engraver, with no graphics or group names allowed.
- Examples:
- ROBERT L MONROE / U S ARMY / VIETNAM 67 - 69
- MARY A SMITH / NURSE / U S AIR FORCE
The La Vernia Veterans Memorial Board reviews and approves all applications to ensure they align with the memorial's standards.
Personalized Bricks: Paving the Patriots’ Pathway
For a more versatile option, engraved bricks line the Patriots’ Pathway leading to the monument. Unlike wall inscriptions, these are not limited to veterans and can commemorate anniversaries, birthdays, or other personal milestones. Bricks are installed at least once a year, adding to the evolving tapestry of the site.
Sizes, Costs, and Inscription Details
- Options:
- 4″ x 8″ brick: Minimum donation of $60.
- 8″ x 8″ brick: Minimum donation of $250.
- Formatting: Up to three rows with 16 characters per row (including spaces). Text is centered horizontally and vertically.
- Process: Submit the order form with payment to the association's P.O. box. Approval by the board is required, and fees are non-refundable.
Benches and Additional Ways to Contribute
Benches offer another layer of personalization, priced at $2,500 per side, with inscriptions limited to veteran names (no advertising). As of October 2025, limited spaces remain available—one full bench and two sides. Sponsors, including individuals, businesses, or groups, receive recognition on a permanent Donor Recognition Plaque. Beyond these, monetary donations support maintenance, and items like challenge coins are available for purchase to benefit the memorial.
How to Get Involved
To order bricks, inscriptions, or benches, download forms from the La Vernia Historical Association website or contact them at
In a world that moves quickly, the La Vernia Veterans Memorial's bricks and inscriptions serve as timeless reminders of gratitude, inviting all to walk the path of patriots and reflect on the true cost of liberty.