2021 Update by Margie Hammerschmidt
In the southeast corner of the intersection of 13th and Fort, there is a small Pentagon-shaped garden bed. It lies nestled in front of the granite stones of the Veterans Memorial on the lawn of the Courthouse. This Red, White and Blue Memory Garden is a tribute to all those Ellis County citizens who lost their lives in service to our country while in the military.
In 2016, a small group of Ellis County Master Gardeners selected and planted perennial plants in the garden to follow the Red, White and Blue theme and to provide all season color. The garden was recently refurbished to revive its vigor.
White Immortality Irises are featured in the center of the garden. These irises are re-blooming, flowering in the Spring and again in late summer. Surrounding the iris bed is a circle of perennial salvia, ‘Victoria Blue’ and ‘May Night’ cultivars. Red Drift Roses spread into the front and rear corners. White Gaura was added this year.
Laying around the perimeter of the bed are several handcrafted concrete blocks inscribed with the name of the garden as well as the words “Planted with Gratitude and Respect”.
In acknowledgment of the US Gold Star Act, a gold-painted concrete star lies at the apex of this Red, White, and Blue Memory Garden. Golden Yarrow plants were added to the garden to accentuate the Gold Star. Some readers may be aware of the significance of the “Gold Star”. A Gold Star Lapel Button in the United States is an official decoration authorized by an Act of Congress in 1947 that is issued to the direct next of kin family members of service members who died in World War I and World War II and subsequent armed hostilities in which the Armed Forces of the United States has been engaged.
Visiting the garden is particularly humbling during patriotic national holidays when volunteers from the VFW place one flag around the Veterans Memorial for each Ellis County resident who died serving in the military. One can’t help but feel sincere gratitude for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Additionally, we recognize the efforts given by volunteers today to maintain this memorial tribute. It is heart-warming to see that the volunteer spirit within Ellis County remains strong.