COLUSA, CA (MPG) - Colusa’s Veterans Memorial Park got a historic update just in time for Veterans Day.

The park is home to a beautiful memorial complex begun in 2014 by the Colusa VFW 2441 and supported by gracious community donations. An archway featuring the seals of all military service branches welcomes visitors to the park and directs them to the heart of the park – a cluster of 8 walls comprised of bricks featuring the names of service members from Colusa County. The walls with nearly 1,000 names of service are backed with specially designed relief sculptures.

Dennis Sanders, former Commander of Colusa VFW 2441 says that the sculptures “depict all of the wars and conflicts that we’ve had from World War One to Afghanistan.”  Each relief has been carefully carved by artist Peter Adams from a concrete mixture and features images of servicemen in battle and identifying title plaque.

On Friday, October 30^th, the seventh sculpture was placed at the memorial, specifically honoring women in the military. The relief features images of women serving in each branch of the military in official uniform of each branch, and two large images of women in active combat gear.

Adams, the artist behind the sculptures at the Colusa Veterans Memorial Park, met with Colusa VFW and women veterans for their input during the design process. He said that this particular piece was “a very challenging panel, partly because there wasn’t a theme, like a given conflict” but more so a “theory to express…that we have the support of women throughout the whole aspect of the military.” He says, “I was very pleased with how it turned out,” and shares that it has been a privilege for him to “honor the heroic work of military men and women.”

Among those Veterans in attendance at the installation were women veterans, Cheyenne Bart and Vickie Bateman. Bart, former Gridley VFW Commander and Navy vet said that it was “past due” and spoke about the roles of women in military service. “When we think of veterans, people then to think of men.” Bart says, “Now that women enter conflicts, combat and hostile situations, it’s time they get the recognition.” She adds, “I’m not one that thinks any less of my brother, but we’re brothers AND sisters in arms.” Bateman, who served in the Army for 20 years said, “It’s about time we get the recognition. Not just for me, but all the women that served. For all that they did, for all that they gave up and weren’t allowed to have-like families. This is in honor of them. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing.” 

Sanders, who has worked on the project from the onset says that the placement of the “Women of the Military” Sculpture meant a lot. “This whole process…just makes you very proud.” He said.

The Colusa VFW plans to have a socially distanced ceremony on Veterans Day, November 11^th, to dedicate the historic sculpture while honoring all that served.