Vietnam Veterans Memorial coming soon to Warner Robins 

WARNER ROBINS – The city of Warner Robins announced its long-awaited Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Monday, Nov. 25.

Vietnam Veteran Michael Driggers donated a five-acre lot of land along Vietnam Veterans Memorial Parkway, the future site of the memorial. 

For over a decade, a group of veterans have advocated to have Vietnam Veterans Memorial, honoring the names of those who did not make it home. The memorial will have a wall filled with 1,584 names of fallen Vietnam veterans in the state and the city they came from.

The site will also have artifacts, some currently at Warner Robins City Hall. Artifacts include the “Survivors’ Guilt” statue and “Soldiers’ Feet” plaque. Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said there will also be a building on the location.

She said there have been many attempts since 2011 but now, the city will be the proud owner of the future location. 

During the announcement, Patrick took the time to thank Driggers for his generosity for donating the land with a much greater purpose.

“It not only honors him and his service but also his brothers who he lost in Vietnam who were not able to come home,” she said.

One of Patrick’s goals was to bring this memorial to the community and worked with councilmembers to help keep that promise. She said she introduced herself to the Vietnam Veterans group The Romeos back in 2021. The group shared their story with her and that inspired Patrick to make it happen for them. 

As someone who had family members who served in the Vietnam War, Patrick instantly made a connection and a promise to the group. She said the memorial means a lot to her family because they served during the war. 

She has two grandfathers who were drafted, and her great uncle was a Vietnam veteran. Patrick’s great uncle’s name will be among many others on the wall. She also shared her aunt, and her family will be celebrating the day they will be able to see his name honored on the wall.

“I committed myself, dedicated myself, took it to council. They did the same thing they committed and dedicated themselves to make this day happen. I could not do it without the council who I sit with every single day and I’m just so thankful,” she said.

She believes it is important to remember veterans because they gave their all during the war and some are still suffering.

“It’s time for us to do our part to honor them. They waited long enough and even though its 2024 well past the date for which they should have had this moment, we’re just thankful to be part of this story and part of the history that can forever be appreciated right here in middle Georgia,” she said.

There will be a groundbreaking of the site which will be celebrated at a future date. Patrick said they will invite everyone to the site and honor veterans.

“Finally, thank again, the Vietnam veterans that came home and those who were not able to return, some of which whose remains have still not been recovered,” she said.

The city’s Veterans Issues Board will also be welcoming another group of veterans who served in the Gulf War. Their names will also be honored at the memorial. 

Vietnam Veteran Bill Carey has been present throughout the memorial’s journey. His dream is finally coming true after years and years of waiting. Carey thanked Councilman Clifford Holmes, who named Vietnam Veterans Memorial Parkway, other councilmembers and Mayor Patrick for their dedication. 

Carey shared he was in disbelief when he heard the announcement, but there is no time limit on survivors’ guilt. He hopes his fellow veterans know it is just the beginning and thanks them for their patience.

“Thank you for your patience and your desire and the tenacity that you had to stay with this program. It took longer than we thought, but it happened,” he said.

Carey describes the city as a “veteran town” and hopes the memorial will welcome them back home. There will also be a sign at the memorial for people to visit the site.

“Right before we celebrate Thanksgiving and the holidays with our families, let’s not forget the Vietnam Veterans who served and protect our country and our freedoms abroad and the came home but also those who never got to step foot on Georgia soil anymore. That is what the memorial is about,” she said.

Patrick once again gave her thanks to veterans for their service, sacrifice and continued sacrifice.

Patrick predicts by the middle of next year, there will be a construction timeline and a date of when the memorial will be completed. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be located along the intersection of Watson Boulevard and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Parkway.