Veterans Honored With Walkway At Delaware County Courthouse

Oklahoma's own are putting final touches on a special memorial to veterans.

It's the Veterans Walk of Honor at the Delaware County Courthouse, consisting of 1,800 bricks, ten flags, eight benches and a marble monument.

"It's a very emotional thing," said Robert Lawson.

Lawson is the man behind the $77,000 project. He's a Navy vet and a member of Jay's American Legion.

"Many veterans came home in an earlier period of time. They were not recognized. They were not welcomed home. They were not thanked for their service. We're doing that in this walk," Lawson said.

For $100 you can have a veteran's name along with a message chiseled on a brick.

"For a small community, they have poured their hearts out in financing this. Not one penny of government money is in it," Lawson said.

"What better way to spend money than to support something you believe in?" said Patrick Cordell.

Cordell is a career Navy man. His family has 14 bricks in the memorial.

"I come from a long line of military and it's continuing on," Cordell said. "I've got my brothers here and my two uncles that were in WWI here and also my great-grandfather who was in the Civil War."

Veterans say the walkway is more than just a tribute. It's also a place where those who served our country can come to share their stories.

"We're hoping this will be a method of healing for some of these veterans who still struggle and have a lot of pain in their memories from times gone by," Lawson said.

"This is a place for all the veterans—present veterans and on into the future," Cordell said. "It's a great feeling. Makes you feel good to serve."

As lights shine bright on the memorial, the American Legion hopes this tribute will show the group's appreciation, honor and pride for all men and women who served in the U.S. military.

There are still 1,300 empty bricks.

Go here to find out how you can claim one.

The official dedication ceremony is on Monday after the annual Veteran's Day parade.