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New 25,000-Square-Foot Monument to Honor Veterans and Their Families
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball unveiled a new monument honoring Howard County Veterans and Military families. The monument, designed to span 25,000 square feet will be constructed at the Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey Park at 10275 Wincopin Circle in Downtown Columbia.
The monument, depicted in a rendering by Howard County Veterans Foundation was commissioned by renowned artist Larry Kirkland. It presents as stacked stars on a large circular reflecting pool and is surrounded by a rim displaying quotes related to the foundational principals of American freedom and democracy. A blue star commemorating veterans and their families lies on a base star symbolizing the support of the community at large. Hollowed from the center of the blue star is a gold star to honor those lost in the line of duty. The monument will be a place for healing, cleansing, and renewal; a space where the community can reflect on our Veterans as well as currently serving military and their families.
“We’ve spent over five years carefully considering and designing every detail of the Veteran’s monument to properly pay tribute to our Veterans and families,” shared Robert Gillette, president of the Howard County Veterans Foundation. “We want it to be a place for the community to gather on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and throughout the year to celebrate the freedoms and privileges our veterans swore an oath to protect.”
The land on which the park and monument are built was transferred from Howard Hughes to Howard County for this project in 2020. The Lakefront District park honors 102-year-old veteran Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey. Bailey served with the U.S. Women’s Army Auxiliary in WWII.