It stands on a hill behind the high school, overlooking Wilson Park. Many have seen it from a distance, but only a few stop by. The concrete Union County Veterans Wall was originally painted black to represent the bleakness, the abyss some veterans feel when returning to civilian life. The wall was completed in 2014 and dedicated on Flag Day in 2015. However, the paint started to blister, and was replaced with gray stucco that resembled the look of granite, with black marble plaques. There are several flags flying over the wall: the black flag of a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action, the Tennessee state flag and American flags.

The wall is now developing cracks. The cause appears to be pressure buildup behind the wall resulting from inadequate drainage. County Mayor Jason Bailey, Mark George of George Construction, Tom Berry and American Legion Post 212 Chaplain Arnold Smallin met at the wall recently to troubleshoot the problem. Their solution is to dig a trench behind the wall and install a French drain.

There is more to be done than just digging the trench. All of the veterans’ plaques and the circular insignias for the branches of the US Armed Forces will need to be carefully removed from the wall and stored before the repair is completed. Arnold Smallin noted that the strong winds at the top of this hill have been brutal on the flags and the flagpoles. The US Flag Code states that a flag that is worn out should be retired in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. The Legion members replace them when they become tattered. The wind has taken a toll on the flag poles as well, and there are plans to strengthen those poles to better withstand the wind.

The Union County American Legion New Liberty Post 212 is very grateful to Mayor Bailey for allocating the funding to repair this wall.