Midlothian says ‘yes’ to adding names to Veterans Memorial

MIDLOTHIAN – The Midlothian City Council voted last week to add names to the upcoming Veteran’s Memorial, which they hope to have partially complete by Veteran’s Day this year.

There had been some controversy as to whether the names of veterans would be added to the memorial or whether a QR code would be used for information instead.

Council discussed policy to be mandated for name inclusion on the memorial and determined while the names will be added to the memorial the criteria still must be decided.

Timing was also an issue regarding having the names engraved on the stone by Veteran’s Day 2021.

It was decided that the names would not be engraved by this Veteran’s Day but will be added by Veteran’s Day 2022 in a unanimous vote by council.

Midlothian resident Bill Vansyckle, whose wife is the vice president of the Blue Star Mothers, Bluebonnet Chapter in Ellis County spoke on behalf of the names being engraved.

“I am very proud of Midlothian’s mayor and city council members for the approval to have the names of the Midlothian area’s veterans engraved on the tribute/memorial monuments,” he said.

“Our family history in military service began as far back as World War I, WWII and conflicts since then. My only son served in the Army’s 1st CAV Division. He spent two tours in Iraq where he earned his CIB (Combat Infantry Badge) and my wife, Martha, still serves works today with the Blue Star Mothers in Ellis County.

“I stand ready to volunteer and support the City of Midlothian and their veterans in any capacity. The city’s design for the Veterans’ Tribute and Memorial is so beautiful that I know it will be the focal point at the new Community Park on 14th Street, and I ask all veterans from the Midlothian area and their families to watch for communications from the city detailing how to forward veterans’ information.”