Friends,

Over the past three years, my office has worked tirelessly on constructing the Houston Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the new Club Creek Park in District J. The memorial is to pay tribute to all those who served in Vietnam, and gives a unique depiction of the experience of those who served from the Greater Houston Area. The memorial also references the specific contributions of women, minorities, POWs, our Vietnamese community and allies, as well as the 543 service men and women from the Greater Houston Area who died in war.

This memorial was the idea of my father who served honorably as a Marine in Vietnam. He and his fellow comrades never received a proper thank you and welcome home when they returned from the war. Many soldiers faced harsh critique, disrespect, and ridicule. After all these years, I’m proud to say they are now getting their proper acknowledgement for their service and sacrifice, and we are all grateful.

This memorial was a $1.5M project, and the park was an additional $13 million, for about a $15 million investment in our community.

The primary funding source for the project was the Southwest Redevelopment Authority TIRZ 20, and I want to thank them for their partnership and for believing in my vision. This would not be possible without their board and staff. I also want to thank Mayor Turner, the Mayor’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs with Director Dembo and Deputy Director Jones, numerous veterans groups, the sculptors Troy and Vickie Kelley, the Mayor's Office of Special Events, Houston Parks Department, HPD, HFD, Walter P Moore Engineering, Millis Development, Higher Dimension Church, SWA Group, and the Houston Vietnamese community for all your efforts and contributions.

Big thank you to my District J staff as this would not have happened and run so smoothly without you. Shout out to my Chief of Staff, Paul Young, who ran point on this project and did a tremendous job.

To all veterans, especially the Vietnam veterans, we honor you and thank you. This Memorial Day weekend we recognize your service and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Click here to view photos from the dedication.

Together we will!

Edward Pollard