McKinney Veterans Memorial
By Ronnie D. Foster

In 1918, an orphan by the name of Jimmy Geigas left his job as a grocery boy in McKinney and joined the United States Army. After undergoing the tough, rigorous training that was required for a soldier in the infantry, he and countless other boys from Collin County traveled by train to New York City. There those Doughboys boarded ships for the long, hazardous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, constantly on edge from fear of deadly German submarines that patrolled beneath the waves. Not long after landing, Private Geigas found himself on a bloody battlefield in France. It was quite a change from his job at Giles McKinney Grocery Store, and a long way from the homey confines of McKinney, Texas.

During a lull in fighting, on September 12 of that year, the men of his unit were thirsty and out of water. Jimmy and a comrade collected canteens from their buddies and went back to a spring they had crossed earlier in the day. On the way, a German plane flew over and dropped a bomb. His comrade was able to save himself by jumping into a ditch, but Jimmy was hit by shrapnel from the explosion. Private Jimmy Geigas would become the first McKinney boy ever killed in battle on foreign soil.

Eighty-eight years later, on the sea, in the air, and on battlefields in all corners of the globe, approximately 300 young men from Collin County have given their lives in service to our great nation. It is now time to remember these brave souls, as well as all veterans who have honorably worn the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

In an effort to ensure that the names of men like Jimmy Geigas are not destined to fade away with time, a group of concerned citizens of McKinney have joined together in that cause. As a result, the idea of a memorial to honor our friends, neighbors and family members who bravely and unselfishly answered the call to arms has evolved from a dream to reality.

The suggestions, ideas and discussions of the McKinney Veterans Memorial Committee have resulted in two major decisions. First of all, since McKinney is the county seat, and has historically been the rallying point for soldiers departing for the service, it was deemed appropriate for the names of all Collin County war dead be etched in stone to preserve their memories. Extensive research has gone into the project and thus far approximately 300 names have been identified.

The second major decision was the determination of the location of the memorial. Numerous sites around the city were identified and thoroughly discussed. Subjects of concern were things such as, accessibility, visibility, security, and a place where parades and concerts could be held on patriotic holidays. The most important consideration was an environment where an individual or family can go and reverently honor a loved one, or could celebrate what these men stood for.

After weighing the pros and cons of all submitted locations, the committee unanimously agreed the ideal site would be at a developing area in southwest McKinney in the Van Tuyl Plaza area of the Craig Ranch Development. The criteria were met in all phases of concern. Readily accessible just of off Highway 121, the area is large enough for events such as parades, patriotic concerts, or family picnics and will also have areas where one can sit and reflect in solitude.

Although an actual memorial design has yet to be determined, the first phase has begun. Newman, Jackson, Bieberstein, Inc., a landscape architecture firm, has been selected to conceptually design the memorial site, which is just under one-half acre in size. The firm has extensive experience in park design, with project experience at Craig Ranch and Pecan Grove Memorial Cemetery in McKinney.

Phase two will be the erection of the memorial itself. Many ideas and much discussion have gone into the characteristics of what is expected of the memorial. The committee members picture a ‘World Class’ structure, dignified in that it will be strong in concept, yet simple in form. The memorial will be ‘Timeless,’ a design solution that will age gracefully for future generations to cherish and enjoy. It will be a ‘Living Memorial’ that captures the beauty and strength of nature, and will be adaptable for future events.

Funding of the project has been initiated with a grant of $150,000 from the McKinney Community Development Corporation. The MCDC, which was created in 1996 by the McKinney City Council, is a 4B sales tax corporation whose purpose is to enhance the city’s aesthetic, cultural, and leisure amenities. MCDC has been instrumental in funding for projects such as the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, the Collin County Historical Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts, as well as numerous city park related projects. Additional funding for the McKinney Veterans Memorial will come from corporations, local businesses, and any individual who would like to donate.

For over two centuries the fighting men and women of our country have guaranteed a free and open society in which we all live. It should be our sacred duty to honor those who have chosen to leave their homes and families to defend our way of life, especially those who left and never returned. However, as is evident in this day and time, the world is still a dangerous place. For the current and future generations of young men and women that will be expected to carry on the tradition of ‘Freedom,’ this memorial will be a reminder that the people of McKinney do care, and will thusly honor all who choose to carry on that honorable tradition.

To view the current list of names that will be on the memorial, or to submit a name, and for information and updates on the McKinney Veterans Memorial, go to the website, Collin County Freedom Fighters, www.ccfreedomfighters.com.