Port San Antonio Set to Revitalize Kelly Veterans Monument with New Home and Design

Port San Antonio Prepares for the Return of the Kelly Veterans Monument

In the heart of Port San Antonio, a significant chapter of military history is set to be rewritten. The Kelly Veterans Monument, a heartfelt tribute dedicated to veterans, has been in storage for a little while, but a new plan is on the horizon to give it a fresh and prominent home.

A Bit of History

Let’s rewind to May 1992 when the monument was first unveiled during Armed Forces Week. At that time, the monument stood proudly just outside the main gate of what was then Kelly Air Force Base, a military installation that opened its doors in 1917 and was vital until its closure in 2001. The centerpiece of the monument? A stunning stainless-steel sculpture of a rippling American flag perched on a sleek black granite base, accompanied by an inspiring quote from the poem “The Voyage of the Good Ship Union” by Oliver Wendell Holmes.

The inscription read, “One Flag, One Land, One Heart, One Hand, One Nation Evermore.” This memorable piece of art wasn’t just a visual delight; it was meant to honor all veterans from the Revolutionary War to the more modern conflicts, starting with those who bravely served during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

A New Chapter Begins

Fast forward to early 2020, when all the components of the monument were carefully taken down and stored away. Why? The area needed to be cleared for redevelopment at Port San Antonio! The team at Port San Antonio decided to redesign the campus, making way for new development but also promising that the history would not be lost.

According to Paco Felici, the chief communications officer at Port San Antonio, “Since that time, we’ve continued to develop and add new spaces across the campus that are growing the Port as a destination for people from near and far.” The idea is simple yet profound: they want to ensure that visitors can reflect on the legacy of those who served their country.

Plan for Reinstallation

There’s good news for high hopes! The plans for relocating the monument and its surroundings have been set in motion. The hope is to create a new, accessible site for the revitalized memorial so that it can become a focal point for not just veterans and their families but anyone interested in military history. Relocating pieces like the inscribed bricks from the original walkway will help preserve the memory of those who contributed to the monument’s creation, thanks to the Kelly AFB Veterans Committee raising over $50,000 by selling personalized bricks.

The relocated items are expected to be placed in historically significant locations throughout Port San Antonio, including the picturesque Bungalow Colony, which is over a century old and undergoing restoration. “We want to make sure the artifacts will be prominent and easy to get to,” Felici adds, aiming for a seamless visitor experience, complete with ample parking and pedestrian access.

Looking Ahead

As we look toward early 2025, excitement builds for this impressive feat of honoring our heroes. The exact design and location of the monument and its accompanying artifacts will soon come into sharp focus, promising a page that will connect the past to the present in a most profound way.

Whether you served in the military, have a loved one who did, or simply want to learn more about our rich history, this revitalized monument will surely be a place to visit and reflect upon the sacrifices and achievements of many brave individuals.

Final Thoughts

So, keep your eyes peeled for updates, because the journey toward creating a homely haven for the Kelly Veterans Monument is well on its way! Port San Antonio is ever-evolving, but it remains dedicated to honoring those who have selflessly served. The promise of a bright future for this cherished monument is just around the corner, waiting for all of us to embrace it once again.