Carl Levi

A restored and expanded memorial to veterans of the U.S. military was dedicated Friday in the heart of Rossville.

The original monument, erected in 1968 to honor hometown heroes killed in Vietnam, was extensively damaged last summer when a teen driving a stolen truck smashed into the granite arch while fleeing from police.

William Morton, 88, a veteran of Gen. George Patton’s Third Army during World War II, was among the veterans, elected officials, community leaders and residents at Friday’s ceremony.

“I didn’t know if they’d ever put it back up,” Mr. Morton said, adding that his brother died in Europe during World War II and both of his sons served in Vietnam.

“One died and the other, he’s 66 now, came home with shrapnel. It’s nice to see (the memorial),” Mr. Morton said. “I’m glad they restored it.”

Rossville Mayor Johnny Baker said the city had never thought to insure the signature monument at the intersection of Chickamauga and McFarland avenues.

The Georgia Municipal Association, an organization that provides a number of services to 510 cities across the state, and private donors stepped up to help Rossville repair and improve the site.

About $35,000 was spent to rebuild the memorial with its fountain, add the flags of all five branches of the military and place benches at the site two blocks from the state line.

“This is the gateway to Georgia,” Walker County Sole Commissioner Bebe Heiskell said about the spot on U.S. Highway 27. “We want it to look good.”

One change is not obvious but is appropriate. Where the original was crafted of granite quarried in South Carolina, the replacement monument is of Georgia granite.

“This memorial was originally dedicated in memory of all veterans, and their families, who gave their lives for their country,” Mr. Baker said.

He read the words carved into the stone: “Dedicated to the glory of God in memory of the sons and daughters of this community who laid down their lives in defense of their country.” Then the mayor added, “That’s enough said.”

Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 203 served as an honor guard for the ceremony. They raised the United States and Georgia flags, fired a 21-gun salute and stood at attention as “Taps” was played.

Retired Brig. Gen. Carl Levi said it was a pleasure to attend the rededication of a monument to “the men and women who have given their lives that we may live in freedom.

“Since this country was formed,” he said, “we’ve had over a million give their lives. Today, as we go home, let us tell our friends and neighbors about the men and women who serve today that we might have tomorrow.”