The Veteran's Memorial Park welcomes its first installment

Today the Veteran's Memorial Park welcomed the Meridian jet which the Worldwide Aircraft Recovery Team escorted. This will be the first phase of The Veteran's Memorial Park.

"Well, today we're out here to welcome Meridian's jet and our air force sea phenom. Two aircraft back to Meridian. This jet was stationed here at Meridian's Key Field from September 1979 until September 1991. As part of our Veteran's Memorial Park Project, we were able to secure this aircraft with the help of The City of Meridian," stated Jeff Summerlin, President of the East Mississippi Veterans Foundation

The Veteran's Memorial Park has been in the work for the past four years and today was a significant milestone for the Memorial Park.

"So this is significant here that they're bringing this F- four, which has a great history here at the Key Field, and to bring it back to be a monument to all the men and women of not only a part of the Guard here at Key Field but the Military in East Mississippi," said Kelly Miller.

The President of the East Mississippi Veterans Foundation says that the arrival of the aircraft is a part of the first phase of the park and explains what it represents.

"It will be put on the pedestal that is already in place and waiting and will be put on display to honor all the service members from the Meridian East Mississippi area and honor, special to all the men and women who have served in the Meridian Air Guard unit since it was established back in September 1939," said Summerlin.

A fellow Veteran who was a part of the escort team to bring the aircraft to its final resting place had this to say of the process.

"It's taken us a long time and a lot of money. Oh, this move alone probably cost us around $70,000, and we had to raise all that money. And thankfully, from donations from all across the United States, we were able to finally get the jet here and this is something that we're really proud of," said Richard Lancaster.

The plane will take 5-7 days to reassemble followed by a company coming in to restore the aircraft.