Articles

Shaw celebrates Veterans Park dedication

By Airman 1st Class Jacob Gutierrez, 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published October 29, 2020

An Air Force member stands behind a podium.

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U.S. Air Force Col. Lawrence T. Sullivan, 20th Fighter Wing commander, speaks at the dedication for the Sumter Veterans Park in Sumter, South Carolina, Oct. 22, 2020. The Sumter Veterans Park began in 2016 as a project created in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of Shaw AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob Gutierrez)

A color guard marches on a field during a ceremony.

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The Crestwood High School JROTC color guard marches during a dedication ceremony for the Sumter Veterans Park in Sumter, South Carolina, Oct. 22, 2020. The park is a space for the community to honor and remember all branches of the U.S. military and showcase Sumter’s dedication to the military community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob Gutierrez)

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A Sumter community veteran observes the dedication of the Sumter Veterans Park in Sumter, South Carolina, Oct. 22, 2020. The park is a space for the community to honor and remember all branches of the U.S. military and to highlight Sumter’s motto “Uncommon Patriotism”. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob Gutierrez)

A group of people gather to cut a ribbon.

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Members of the military and the Sumter community cut the ribbon at the Sumter Veterans Park in Sumter, South Carolina, Oct. 22, 2020. The design allows for a mix of gathering space and areas for quiet reflection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob Gutierrez)

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SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Military personnel assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, alongside members from the local community, gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Sumter Veterans Park, Oct. 23.

The park is a space for the community to honor and remember all branches of the U.S. military and showcase Sumter’s dedication to the military community.

“The design we have here allows for a mix of gathering space and areas for quiet reflection.” said Joseph T. McElveen Jr., Sumter City mayor. “It’s very appropriate. We have so many veterans here in the community.”

The Sumter Veterans Park began in 2016 as a project coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Shaw AFB. The park will incorporate future veterans’ monuments including a full-size replica of the P-51 Mustang in honor of four Sumter natives who were also Tuskegee Airmen.

“The reason that this base has the ability to generate airpower and project force is because of this community,” said Col. Lawrence T. Sullivan, 20th Fighter Wing commander. “We wouldn’t exist without your support.”