Two granite benches bearing the insignias of all five branches of military service during World War II will be placed on the front lawn of the Tyler County Courthouse on Sunday, Dec. 6. A dedication ceremony will begin at 2 p.m.

Plans are in motion for a dedication ceremony in Tyler County celebrating the lives, legacies and memories of a generation that has been forgotten.

Following the draft instated after the horrific invasion of Pearl Harbor until World War II came to a close, nearly 16, 354,000 men and women had served in the armed forces in defense of freedom.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, a ceremony and dedication will take place on the front lawn of the Tyler County Courthouse, as this generation of Americans – hailed as the greatest generation – is memorialized in granite and with words from the past and present.

The event is set to begin at 2 p.m. In case of bad weather, the ceremony will be moved inside the courthouse.

The ceremony will be conducted by Bob Tippins and Larry Howard with WWII veteran Rev. Gus Bates officiating.

“The attack on Pearl Harbor was carried out on Dec. 7, 1941, which was a Sunday. That is why the benches are being dedicated on Sunday.”

“We are honoring the service members that served and returned home as well as those who gave their lives for our freedom,” he said. “They are known as the greatest generation. They didn’t ask for anything when they came home but a fair shake in life.”

Two benches, paid for by charitable contributions from the community, will be placed on the lawn in memory of those who fought during WWII – one for the Pacific Theater of War and one for the European Theater of war. The benches will don the insignias of all five branches of military service: Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and the unsung heroes, the Merchant Marines.

“The merchant ships transported most the of Armed Forces overseas, plus 132,119,533 tons of cargo and 11,467,346 tons of ammunition,” Tippins remarked.

According to Tippins, the ship’s bell from the quarterdeck of the USS Essex will play a part in the dedication.

The public is invited and welcome to attend the ceremony.