Veterans Memorial Monument Set for Grand Unveiling This Memorial Day Weekend

A conversation between friends during a drive home from a funeral has evolved into a meaningful initiative for Maricopa. Terry Oldfield, who co-founded the project alongside his late friend, Jim Bussey, recalls the moment that sparked this endeavor. “What do you think, Jim, could we get a memorial park here in Maricopa?” Oldfield asked. Shortly thereafter, Bussey proposed the formation of the Maricopa Veterans Memorial Park Task Force.

Despite Bussey’s passing in December 2022, the effort persists in his honor. “After Jim passed, it’s still hard to kind of talk about,” Oldfield shared, noting the emotional toll of the loss. “We need to carry this on in Jim’s name.”

The planned memorial will be located at the intersection of M.L.K. Jr. Boulevard and Greythorn Drive, near Copper Sky. It aims to feature a granite memorial wall, a bronze Battle Cross monument, engraved bricks to honor veterans, benches, and flagpoles showcasing service banners.

“We’re selling bricks … anyone who wants to recognize or honor a veteran can do so,” stated local veteran Mike Delaney, who heads the Task Force. Each brick costs $75, supporting a worthy cause.

Local officials view this partnership as reflective of Maricopa’s commitment to its military community. “This is our way of working with you guys, a token of our appreciation for the sacrifices made,” noted Maricopa’s Community Enrichment Director, Quinn Konold.

A dedication ceremony is slated for May 24 at 8:30 a.m., just ahead of Memorial Day. Veterans groups will perform a flag raising, and a flag flown during the ceremony will be folded and presented to Bussey’s widow. The VFW will host additional events at the memorial on May 26.

Oldfield, himself a newcomer to Maricopa, emphasizes that the memorial will honor veterans from all locations, not just the local community. “Many people move to Maricopa from other places and want to honor a veteran,” he said, highlighting that the memorial is meant to recognize all who served.

Delaney added, “This country needs to honor and understand the sacrifices of veterans, regardless of the conflict they served in.”

The Task Force also has aspirations for a larger veterans park in the future. For now, they are content with creating a space where veterans can gather and reflect. “It’s a healing process … it’s [our] own little hallowed ground,” Delaney remarked, underscoring the importance of this memorial.