On the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Kyle City Council and staff were joined by residents and visitors to honor veterans and first responders and celebrate the ribbon cutting of Heroes Memorial Park, located at 4301 Benner Road, Kyle.





Other notable officials were also in attendance, including state Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood; U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin; Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra; and the Hays County commissioners.

"We're on the 21st anniversary of the day my generation really lost their innocence and a day that many brave first responders ran into tumbling towers to try and save lives," Zwiener said.

The event was kicked off by a procession of honor guards, the raising of the flag, a performance of the National Anthem and moments of silence for all the lives lost.

“The park is a result of countless hours of dedication and hard work. Every project has a beginning, and it started with past council member and veteran David Wilson,” Council Member Robert Rizo said. “He was determined that Kyle build a memorial to honor service members from Kyle who paid the ultimate sacrifice."


Wilson helped secure initial funding that was followed by a $1.5 million donation from Texas Disposal Systems. Heroes Memorial Park broke ground in part of the city’s Brick and Mortar District, a 138-acre mixed-use area, that broke ground in May 2021.

"My hope and prayer is for this park to be a cornerstone in Kyle for many years to come," Mayor Travis Mitchell said. "May it serve as a gathering place for thousands of residents and visitors each and every year; from this year until long after the time capsule is open in 2101 at the 100th anniversary of 9/11."

Mitchell and Rizo presented and dropped in the time capsule near the flag pole, filled with interviews of local veterans.

The park features a bridge over water, memorial gardens, educational information about the seven branches of government and more.