After serving in Vietnam and losing both legs in combat, Jimmie C. Edwards III delayed his return to Conroe until he could walk unaided on prosthetic legs. When he finally stepped off the plane, more than 200 people greeted him with cheers and open arms. That moment marked not just the end of his military service but the beginning of a new mission.
Edwards made a promise: to give back to both his country and his hometown. And he kept it. He went on to serve four terms as one of the youngest-ever representatives in the Texas Legislature and later served as Montgomery County Judge.
A Permanent Tribute
During his time as county judge, Edwards oversaw the restoration of Montgomery County’s historic downtown veterans park. But his vision extended far beyond its original grounds. In 2016, he founded the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission, a nonprofit led by veterans and first responders, and committed himself to creating a permanent tribute to service and sacrifice. Alongside the commission, he secured land along I-45 and united a dedicated team of volunteers to bring the new veterans park to life.
Commission Executive Director Elizabeth Woods shared that the commission honors all who have served in the U.S. military, regardless of rank or hometown. The Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park continues to grow, telling more stories and recognizing more lives with each passing year.
One of the park’s most powerful features is “The Line,” a striking tribute where veterans’ names are engraved without rank or distinction. Three-star generals appear alongside privates—an intentional reminder that every sacrifice carries equal weight.
“They were all willing to serve. That’s what The Line is all about,” says Commission Chairman Jimmie C. Edwards III.
Honoring Veterans, Strengthening Community
The park currently features 12 memorial galleries designed to educate and inspire. Visitors of all ages can walk through these spaces to learn about the achievements and sacrifices of U.S. military personnel, past and present.
On May 10, 2025, the community celebrated the dedication of First Responders Plaza and the rededication of the Firefighters Monument, which was relocated from the Lone Star Convention Center.
More is still to come. This coming Veterans Day, the park will achieve a major milestone with the dedication of Honored Mission Hall, an 11,000-square-foot education and visitors center and museum. The facility will include dedicated historical exhibits, two event spaces for rotating exhibits, a lecture hall, a theater room, and the commission’s office space.
Additionally, construction is underway on the Gold Star Family Monument, a quiet outdoor space for reflection and remembrance honoring the immediate relatives of U.S. military members who died in the line of duty.
The park will also soon unveil one of its most striking additions: the 31-foot Women of War Monument, honoring the vital contributions of women who served—often behind the lines.
The Legacy of Freedom
As the Fourth of July approaches and we prepare to celebrate our nation's founding, let us also honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to protect its freedom. The Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park serves as a reminder that freedom comes at a cost and that the men and women who paid that cost must never be forgotten. Their legacy lives on here, through every engraved name, every story told, and every life touched by a visit.
The Commission’s Mission:
The Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the experiences and sacrifices of United States veterans, active-duty military, and first responders across this great nation through education, awareness, and outreach.