Sugar Land Legacy Foundation launches campaign to honor local Veterans
Posted: July 1st, 2015
The Sugar Land Legacy Foundation is honoring local area veterans – by commemorating their names and contributions to the community and country in brick pavers.
The four by eight inch pavers will be installed and surround the Honor and Remember Flag, which is adjacent to the current Veterans Memorial at Sugar Land Memorial Park. They can be engraved with text such as the veteran’s name, branch of the military, and dates of service. The project was launched on Memorial Day last month, and the Foundation is hoping to complete the project by the fall.
The Honor and Remember Flag, initiated by Texas State Rep. Rick Miller (R-Sugar Land), is intended to be a symbolic reminder of the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make for the country.
“I think that we have to continue to let citizens know, that the price veterans pay for our freedom is not cheap,” said Sugar Land Legacy Foundation President Sunil Sharma. “We will have this flag hoisted everyday of the year to keep that thought at the forefront.”
Though there is a limited supply of bricks available for purchase at $250 each, Sharma believes that all of the bricks will be purchased.
“The Fort Bend County community, people are philanthropic – they believe in giving,” Sharma said. “And, of course, everyone respects what our veterans have done and what they continue to do for our liberties and freedom.”
Many of Sugar Land’s political leaders have also pledged their support for the project by purchasing brick pavers. Along with Miller and Sharma, Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson, Sugar Land City Council members Harish Jajoo, Himesh Gandhi, Joe Zimmerman, Amy Mitchell and Bridget Yeung will also purchase brick pavers.
“My support in sponsoring one brick paver is a small token of gratitude to our veterans as well to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country,” Jajoo said. “I dedicated my paver in honor of State Representative Rick Miller for his service to our country.”
Jajoo, a potential 2016 Sugar Land mayoral candidate, also added that this project would enhance Sugar Land’s commitment toward local veterans and that honoring them is indicative of the city’s gratitude and appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
Sharma said that there are some projects the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation will look to begin once the brick paver project reaches completion. Upcoming projects include an eagle sculpture – a symbol of American freedom and liberties – at Sugar Land Memorial Park.
“We have to continue to say to those who are out there and continue to go out for us – we value you, we respect you, we care for you, we appreciate you for what you’ve done and we will never forget you,” Sharma said.
The Sugar Land Legacy Foundation is honoring local area veterans – by commemorating their names and contributions to the community and country in brick pavers.