HISTORY OF THE LANDRUM, S. C.
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
The Veterans Memorial Park is located within the Brookwood Park/ Playground area in Landrum, South Carolina. This is the history of how the Veterans Of Foreign Wars, Post 4873 members designed and built this impressive memorial without federal, state or local tax funding. The entire project was financed by local businesses and citizens.

 Landrum VFW Post 4873 is a unit of the Veterans Of Foreign Wars of The United States, chartered in 1899 by the U. S. Congress. Composed of men and women who have served honorably in combat designated overseas engagements, VFW Posts serve their communities by encouraging Americanism, sponsoring youth activities, assisting military veterans and their families and cooperating with others in extending and maintaining the institutions of American freedom.

 VFW Post 4873 was formed in 1988. During its early years, members concentrated on acquiring a headquarters, attracting members and establishing an identity as a viable community asset. Early activities included supporting a youth ball team, sponsoring essay contests in local schools, visiting hospitalized veterans, placing flags on veterans' graves to commemorate Memorial Day and distributing holiday fruit baskets to senior citizens.

 A primary VFW responsibility is to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead. Success in achieving this goal could be significantly enhanced by establishing a permanent War Veterans Memorial. Our mission, therefore, was to establish a permanent memorial which also provides a focal point for ongoing community activities. In this way we can honor the dead by serving the living.

The memorial was conceived in September, 1999. Post officers decided a "living" memorial could best fit our financial and human resources. All funding must be from the private sector, yet long term maintenance might best be assured by placing the memorial on public property. Landrum's Brookwood Park is under jurisdiction of Spartanburg County's Parks and Recreation Department. County Director, Mr. Jeffery Caton, was delighted with our proposal which meshed with county plans for upgrading the park and establishing a nature trail adjacent to the memorial area. Post members immediately began work on the first stage which encompassed a ground level marble marker, a sugar maple tree, four picnic tables, several bird houses augmented by flower beds and a bird bath. This was rapidly completed with dedication scheduled for November 7, 1999. The public was invited and featured the newly formed LandrumHigh School AJROTC Color Guard under direction of Major Juergen Kopp, United States Air Force, Ret. Light refreshments were served. Next step was constructing the gazebo.

THE GAZEBO

The gazebo design was modeled after a Scottish cottage and a major fund raising project was set into action. Budget estimates ranged between five and six thousand dollars. Substantial donations from The Polk County Community Foundation, Bi-Lo Stores and Wal-Mart were augmented by individual citizens and local small businesses. Approximately 2000 bricks make up the columns supporting the 19th century heart pine beams that support the roof. The hand made ironwork was crafted by James Plumley. Thirteen balusters along each front portico represent the thirteen colonies and thirteen bars of the American flag. Comrade Hulon Howard fabricated a Post sign in his early American blacksmith shop. The October goal of completion was met and dedication was set for November 5, 2000.

 GAZEBO DEDICATION - 5 NOVEMBER 2000

A bright sunny day greeted some one hundred fifty citizens. United States Congressman Jim DeMint was the main speaker and Gloria Collins presented her poem, "Battered Honor", which depicted unfair treatment afforded Viet Nam war veterans. A Landrum mortician announced a one thousand dollar donation toward the WW II Memorial in Washington, D. C. A barbeque buffet was served as old friends shared memories and others found new friends.

The area was named "War Veterans Memorial" and it was felt several finishing touches were necessary. Since Landrum Jr. High School students had volunteered to help during gazebo construction Post Commander Moore requested the school "Beta Club" faculty advisor to solicit ideas from club members. As a result, two flagpoles were placed at gazebo entry, weeds at the rear embankment were replaced with shrubs, two outdoor grills were installed and a concrete walkway was established at gazebo entry. Members were particularly proud that the memorial had been privately funded..

Open to anyone or group, the gazebo has provided a quiet relaxing spot for Brookwood Park visitors as well as patriotic gatherings for school student activities. Several weddings have been held here as well as birthday parties and general family functions and reunions.


 COMBAT INFANTRY & POW/MIA MONUMENTS
Post members had long felt that Landrum should have a granite monument honoring all military soldiers. Additionally, only eight WW II veterans remained on the post roster and those veterans had never been formally recognized. The solution was to erect a granite memorial and honor all war veterans at the memorial dedication. Realizing that this would probably be our finalcontribution to the memorial complex, it was decided to also erect a POW/MIA monument.

 At a February 2012 meeting this action was approved and two granite monuments were ordered from the Clayton Monument Company. Placed at the gazebo entrance the monuments commemorate combat infantrymen and those missing in action and prisoners of war.

 On January 13, 2013 the memorials were unveiled under gray skies with a nice crowd in attendance. This drew very positive comments and praise from all who attended. Post members then adjourned for a luncheon honoring WW II veterans. Several school teachers were also recognized and presented with plaques. A formal dedication is planned for next Memorial Day.

 Commander Charles Moore noted that credit for success of this overall project is due to School District One Administration, teachers, local citizens and business firms. As time marches on it is hoped that the Veterans Memorial Park will continue to be upgraded and improved. Please feel free to make suggestions and/or comments. You may do so via the below listed email address-your email will then be forwarded to the current commander for consideration. Remember that all additions will be built for and by the public as no tax money may be utilized.

Written by:

Charlie Moore
Post Commander