A community shows its strength when it works together to do good things. That's what Union Countians are doing. When the new bridge opened over Clinch River/Norris Lake on State Highway 33 between Maynardville and Tazewell and the old continuous truss bridge was being taken down, Preservation Union County worked with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to salvage pieces of the old structure. On May 24, 2016, we met with TDOT District 18 Specialist and the contractor that was removing the steel and acquired several pieces of wind bracing beams and bridge railing. The pieces were approximately 20 feet in length and weighed approximately 4 tons (8,000 lbs.). What does one do with this massive amount of steel? Why not build a monument to remember the bridge and to honor our Veterans! What better place to put this monument than the entrance to Wilson Park and Veterans Place.

However, much planning and work had to be done first. A decision had to be made choosing a design and a workable blue print, considering the size of the pieces, had to be developed. After 30 months of planning and working, this impressive structure is now becoming a reality and will show Union County's appreciation for preservation, our gratitude to our Veterans and as a bonus will house the new sign to Wilson Park.

Working together, Preservation Union County, Union County Mayor Jason Bailey, former Mayor Mike Williams, TDOT Specialist Ethan Watson, James (Rick) and Donna Riddle, Seven Springs Farm and Winery, Stan Bullen, Historic Union County, The Steel Shop, Inc., James Ramirez, Martin Shafer, Tommy Edwards, Randy Hodge, Charlie Hamilton, Denny Patterson, Joe Rogers, David Cox, Debra Keck, Stacy Fox, Jonathan Mills, Union County VFW, American Legion, Honor Guard, and with special support and contributions from Knox Heritage, Inc., East Tennessee Preservation Alliance, Home Depot, Centerline Drive, PPG Paints, Western Avenue, has shown what we can do as a team and the pride we have for our County.