The Unveiling of Toby Mendez Sculpture in Veterans Plaza

Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission for Veterans Affairs, Bill Gray, opened the "Tribute to Our Veterans" unveiling ceremony in Veterans Plaza, with Presentation of the Colors, prayer and a moment of silence. 

The sculptor of the 3-panel glass and bronze piece, Toby Mendez, of Toby Mendez Studios in Frederick County, spoke of being selected 11 years ago to do the work and included in his thanks the artisans that worked with him, the electricians and the engravers as well as those who donated letters from the various wars to be placed within the sculpture. 

The three panels represent all seven U. S. uniformed services: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

Jack Hewitt representing World War II veterans, spoke of his father, for which the old Silver Spring Armory had been named, and which in its demolition made way for the revitalization of Silver Spring.  He reminded the audience that in Montgomery County there are 50,000 veterans, in the state of Maryland 473,000 veterans and in the United States 22,000,000.

Also present at the ceremony, and mentioned for their work towards this day, were County Councilmen Marc Elrich and George Leventhal; speaking at the event were Council President Valerie Ervin, County Executive Isiah Leggett, U. S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D - MD8) and a representative of U. S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD).  The "Tribute to Our Veterans" sculpture truly is just that and a classic design, something that must be seen.