Compiled by Charlotte Schexnider Chiasson

The largest veterans monument in the area is the Golden Triangle Veterans Memorial Park. VFW Post 4820 in Port Neches maintains the park since 1988 when Butch Bean donated the 10.8 acres. The committee that maintains the park is made up of members of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Vietnam Veterans posts. It honors not only veterans who died in the line of duty, but also those who survived wartime or served during peacetime. The late W.T. Oliver, of Bridge City, was the first chairman until his death in January 1999 at the age of 73.

W.T. Oliver, Boss Cajun’s legacy was not his gumbo, but his generosity. A former State Representative serving Orange and Newton counties from 1956-1962, veterans’ advocate and board member of several local charities, Oliver’s contributions to Southeast Texas went far beyond the Veterans Memorial Park he established in 1992. Still, it is his most visible achievement. He operated a successful public relations and marketing firm. Oliver spent many years volunteering with the Hughen Center in Port Arthur, which serves disable children. He served for twelve years on the board of directors. He was know for his trade mark humor. He was asked once what the initials of his name stood for. His comment was "They stand for "want to", "will try" or William Thomas, take your pick. But my wife, Ann’s, definition is "wishful thinking".

The centerpiece of the park is the 50-foot tall tower of Honor, which carries the names of those killed or missing in action. Also housed in the tower is a plaque with names of Spanish-American War veterans and a plaque with the names of men who received the Purple Heart. There is a special plaque honoring Staff Sergeant Lucien Adams who won the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The park has eight Walls of Honor, one for World War I, two for World War II, one for the Korean War, one for the Vietnam War, one for Desert Storm, one for peace time and one for Merchant Marines from World War II. A 10-foot obelisk honor local residents who served in the 36th Infantry Division, made up entirely of Texans. The obelisk is adorned with bronze plaques listing the names of approximately 1,200 veterans from Orange and Jefferson counties, living and dead, who served in the division. The park also has monuments for the Air Force, a F-4D Phantom II fighter bomber; for the Army, a M6083 Tank; for the Navy, a landing craft and for the Marine Corps, a 7-foot bronze statue of a Marine going ashore while urging his troops forward. Also for the Coast Guard a Huey helicopter; for the Merchant Marines, an anchor from the SS Mississippi, the last World War II Merchant Marine ship to be decommissioned and for the Canine Corps, a soldier and his dog.

This information is from the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce.
Used with permission.