Independence Day is a time to reflect on past, present and future

Randy Carlisle, one of several Seminole residents instrumental in creating the Gaines County Veterans Memorial, is both a history buff and a proud American who believes that the 4th of July is a time for reflecting on the founding of our country.

"How did a group of ordinary men have the foresight to do what they did in forming this country and planning for our future? That's what I think of. In my mind, there is no doubt that God was in the room and walking the path with them when they (our forefathers) formed this country," Carlisle said. He added that those leaders may not have known what would happen over 200 years later, but they had the perception to make plans that would cover our tracks. "They established a power of existence by developing laws and rules that are still used today."

On the flip side, Carlisle said that if Thomas Jefferson or any other leader from the past could see what is happening in our country today, they would be highly disappointed. "I think they would be very, very disappointed in us. I think they would say we have to reconcile our beliefs and thoughts and get back to the attitude and everything they had in their day and time. God has given us something here, and we must take care of it and maintain it."

Many residents of Seminole, over the past several years, have worked to remember those who fought for our freedom by building a Veterans Memorial in Gaines County: Carlisle is one of them.

He explained that it started in 2006 with a group of women in the Methodist Church called the Prayer Coalition, who sent supplies to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Once a month, they got together and sent supplies to local boys and girls in Afghanistan and Iraq, and as years went along, it developed into putting up some kind of memorial." He explained that they raised approximately $50,000 from 2008 to 2015 and eventually hired an architect but were never able to get the memorial started; the cost was astronomical.

At that time, Carlisle and former mayor Wayne Mixon were asked to come on board and try to fulfill the group's dream. The pair, along with help from others, expanded the donation base and had talks with the County, the City, and a local foundation about a way to honor Gaines County veterans. He explained that the County said they could use the south end of the Gaines County Park for the memorial. The FFA began planting trees in that area and raised money for the memorial by selling monuments to be placed under the trees.

Carlisle said it was later suggested that the veterans memorial be moved from the park to an area next to the Doss Foundation Mausoleum at the south cemetery. "We got the County to donate the land to us. Then we took the plans brought up in the past by the architectural firm and went to Fehr’s. We told them we wanted something like that but couldn't afford the original architects' price. We asked if they could take those plans and draw up something we could live with." Carlisle said they finally developed a comfortable price range and style between him, Mixon, Fehr’s, and Sadle and Sons Monuments in Hobbs.

"From there, we went back to raising money again. We got the share we needed to raise, and the benefactor took care of the rest." He added that the monuments, which had been placed at the county park under the trees, were relocated to the new area by the south cemetery; the trees remained, and additional ones were planted at the current memorial.

Carlisle noted that when the memorial was being built, they had planned to engrave the names of veterans in black granite purchased in the United States but were informed that the material purchased locally tended to crack. However, the black granite found in India would not, so they had the granite imported from Asia. Also, instead of brick, concrete was poured, and a group from Odessa made designs in the concrete creating an illusion of different colors.

"We finally dedicated it in May of 2017 on Memorial Day. However, that is only phase one," Phase two, which should begin in 2023, is based on plans drawn almost two years ago. The new addition will expand to the north with a 16 ft. tall pavilion which will hold six monuments detailing the most significant military conflicts. It will include the Civil War, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Gulf wars. "We have 4,000 vets' names out there, and they all have some connection to Gaines County. We also have four Civil War veterans, so that's why they go back to the Civil War." The pavilion also includes Medal of Honor winners, KIAs, MIAs, and POWs. Carlisle noted that to be included in the memorial, the person must be verified by a DD214.

A hopeful addition to the memorial will be the presence of two military tanks at the entrance. "A couple of years ago, I thought we needed something at the gates, so I contacted Congressman Arrington's office. They helped me get in touch with the Army Surplus Depot in Chicago." Carlisle said the surplus facility requested credentials and wanted to know how the tanks would be displayed and who would maintain them. The local VFW said they would take on the upkeep of the tanks. Before anything can happen, however, two pads have to be built that are strong enough to hold the tanks. "We must have donations from someone or a group to build those pads," Carlisle stressed.

With all the interest in and passion for the memorial, one would think that Carlisle is a veteran himself. "No, I failed my physical for the Marine Corp in 1969. My dad fought in WWII, and I always had an interest in the military and politics in general, so it spread from there."

In his final remarks on Independence Day, the Seminole resident said, "It's a time for us to think about what we've been through as a country. If we want another 4th of July, we must buckle down." He then quoted President Ronald Reagan: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

President Ronald Reagan