'The Way Home' sculpture installed as work continues on veterans monument

UPDATE:

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Weather permitting...intermittently, the veterans memorial in Town Green Park continues to progress. Monday the central figures of Cory Kosters and Zachary Endsley, titled “The Way Home” by sculptor, Edd Hayes, was installed, and will remain covered while work on the surrounding backdrop continues.

On Memorial Day, May 25, the sculpture will be revealed and dedicated to members of all branches of the military for their service.

“It’s our salute to their sacrifices for our freedom,” posted Edd Hayes on Facebook.

The community...veterans, their families, residents, and students, are invited to attend the dedication on Memorial Day. No official time has been posted when the dedication ceremony will take place, but stay tuned to Woodlands Online for updated information.



ORIGINAL STORY:



THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Veterans Memorial project for Town Green Park, titled The Way Home, will finally have a home on Memorial Day, May 25, when the sculpture is installed to not only honor two south Montgomery County natives depicted in the monument, but also those who have served and are currently serving in all branches of military service.

The focal point of the memorial will be life-size figures of Cory Kosters and Zachary Endsley, who were both killed in the line of duty in 2007, just months apart. Their sculptures will be installed in front of a black, granite tile wall commemorating personnel in the military, in addition to the emblems from each branch of the service.

World-renown sculptor, Edd Hayes, the “Official Texas State Sculptor,” was commissioned for the project approximately a decade ago. Public donations were originally solicited to fund the effort over the years through the sale of the commemorative tiles, and later through the fundraising activities of the Greater Woodlands Public Art Foundation founded by the late Tony Motto.

A major milestone was accomplished last year at the May 25, 2014 meeting of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, when a unanimous vote waived the requirement of the $50,000 perpetual maintenance fund on a recommendation from the Township Economic Development Committee. The monument and sculpture will be maintained as part of the regular park care administered by the Township.

The Woodlands Township will coordinate the Memorial Day installation and dedication with a dignified ceremony befitting that of the heroes it will be honoring. Stay tuned to Woodlands Online for future details about the Memorial Day dedication ceremony.

Undoubtedly, The Way Home will be the bellwether in The Woodlands outdoor sculpture collection, and most assuredly will be included on the Sculp-Tours, rumored to resume in the near future...another Tony Motto project. To perpetuate his legacy and other projects in the community, a ‘fun’-raiser is scheduled for April 30, at the South Montgomery County Community Center. The event will include refreshments, and both a silent and live auction.

"I want it to be a party. I want it to be fun," said Jodi Motto, wife of the late Tony Motto. "Tony would want it to be a party-like atmosphere."

For more information about the 'fun'-raiser, see Tony Motto Memorial "Fun"-raiser.

For more information about the Greater Woodlands Public Art Foundation, visit The Greater Woodlands Public Art Foundation Facebook page or call or email using the icons provided.

#TheWayHome #SculpTours