EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Fabens Veterans Park Committee Chairman David Sublasky says the groundbreaking of the memorial is significant as it will reflect the sacrifices veterans have made.
The groundbreaking for the Fabens Veterans Memorial was held on Tuesday morning, Sept. 2, at PFC Fernando Gutierrez Street in Fabens, and the memorial is expected to be finished by mid-January.
Sublasky says the park committee was established in 2014 in order to refurbish the park and establish it as a veterans park.
“Personally I’m not a veteran, but I believe that because veterans have done what they’ve done, sacrificed what they sacrificed along with their families, we have the freedom to do the many things that we do in this country.”
Fabens Veterans Park Committee Chairman David Sublasky
The park will include a playground, grills, a swimming pool, and the memorial, Sublasky said.
The memorial is designed to “serve as a permanent tribute to the men and women who have bravely served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force,” the County said.
The memorial will feature:
- Six granite memorial walls, one for each military branch, arranged in a radial pattern with the American flag in the middle.
- A six-sided star connecting all branches at the heart of the memorial.
- Gently sloped walkways, landscaped green spaces, and seating areas for quiet reflection.
- Integrated lighting to keep the site illuminated and visible 24/7
Funding for the project includes over $1 million, including $900,000 in grant funds from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The County also approved a match commitment of over $200,000 for the project.
“I am proud to see such a significant investment from the EDA to the Fabens community. As a Navy veteran myself, it is great to see this park honoring our brave men and women who have fought for our freedoms. Alongside honoring our veterans, this project will spark tourism, create jobs, and advance economic opportunity for our community.”
Congressman Tony Gonzales, R-Texas
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego and El Paso County Commissioner Pct. 3 Iliana Holguin were present at the groundbreaking.
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