Montgomery County holds Veterans Day celebration, dedicates bridge to Buffalo Solider

Hundreds gathered Nov. 11 for the dedication of a memorial bridge and walkway at the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park and to celebrate Veterans Day.

The bridge was dedicated to Sgt. Luther James Dorsey, a member of Company E of the 10th Cavalry of the United States Army, known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Dorsey is the only known Buffalo Soldier to be buried in Montgomery County, and his grave lies at the historic Black cemetery in Conroe. The walkway was dedicated to prisoners of war and those missing in action.

The event was hosted by the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission, VFW Post No. 4709 and the Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare. Elected officials, including Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands; Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe; Conroe Mayor Pro Tem Duke Coon; and several county commissioners delivered remarks.

"Today we honor every man and woman who has ever worn the uniform of our nation to protect our country. We admire your service; we stand in awe of your sacrifice," Brady said. "We are so grateful for the Veterans Memorial Park, which commemorates and honors the service of past, present and future veterans and also all those who have continued to support our veterans."

The memorial park has been a years-long effort largely spearheaded by Marine and former Montgomery County Judge Jimmie Edwards. The original park was dedicated in 1976 by President Gerald Ford and was built on a small piece of property that is adjacent to the Montgomery County Tax Office in downtown Conroe; it has since moved and expanded.

The park is continuing to work on new projects, Edwards said.