On August 25, 1999, the City of Stephenville honored a request from Bea M. Marin—then Commander of TURNBOW-HIGGS American Legion Post 240 and a member of the Stephenville City Council—by graciously allocating 100 burial spaces in West Memorial Cemetery for the establishment of a new Veterans Field of Honor. This action became necessary after all available spaces at the original Veterans Field of Honor in East Memorial Cemetery had been filled.
Past Post 240 Commander Lyle Lacy coordinated with Rawlins Monument to secure a striking memorial centerpiece: a monument crafted from red granite quarried in India, the only region in the world where this distinctive stone is found. Rawlins Monument engraved and installed the monument with great care and craftsmanship.
TURNBOW-HIGGS American Legion Post 240 funded the Veterans Field of Honor project through public donations and the sale of memorial bricks. These funds supported the monument, the flagpole and its electrical service for nighttime illumination, and the walkways that frame the site. The sale of memorial bricks continues today. Brick purchases are open to all—veterans and non‑veterans alike—offering families, friends, and community members a meaningful way to honor loved ones. Anyone wishing to purchase a brick may speak with any Post 240 member.
The dedication ceremony for the West Memorial Cemetery Veterans Field of Honor was held on November 11, 2001. Lyle C. Lacy, Post 240 Commander, served as Master of Ceremonies, and State Representative Sid Miller delivered the keynote address.
TURNBOW-HIGGS American Legion Post 240 remains deeply grateful to the City of Stephenville for its generous contribution of burial space and for the continued, respectful care of this sacred ground.
