All Veterans Memorial unveiled

There were ceremonies across Southeast Texas today to honor America's military veterans.

And while there were many kind words and gestures exchanged, there was one memorial unveiled near Ford Park that will serve as a permanent show of support.

"Me and my brother both have done tours in Iraq and to have support of Beaumont, our home town, Vidor, it's a great honor," says Staff Sgt. Billy Pickron.

Hundreds gathered to remember and give thanks to veterans, every branch, young and old.

"Honor those that have passed and honor the ones that come in the future," says Malcolm East, a Vietnam veteran.

"You'd better not ever forget the past, because that's where the future is," says Charles Henson, a World War II veteran.

Looking to keep the spirit of the American service men and women alive, Ron Petitt designed a permenant fixture to honor those that serve our country. The All Veterans Memorial was unveiled.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?  It's beautiful and tells a story of all branches.  I'm glad to see it up there," says Henson.

"It's uplifting, very encouraging and makes you just want to go and keep fighting and doing well in the war so everyone can have the freedom that they have," says Staff Sgt. Pickron.

Veterans want the memorial to serve as a reminder that freedom isn't free.

"It all adds up to this, got to be proud to be an American.  That's it.  And, do our best to defeat people against America," says East.

"People respect us and happy for what we're doing.  It makes it worth it," says Staff Sgt. Pickron.

Worth the fight, and worth the sacrifice.

The All Veterans Memorial was created by sculptor Ron Pettit.

Pettit lives in Colorado and is originally from Beaumont. He created the Beaumont Police Memorial and the Memorial in Beaumont honoring Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior.

Pettit is also working on a memorial to firefighters.

The Ben J. Rogers Visitors Center will extend its hours until 7 p.m. Wednesday to give people additional time to visit the memorial.