Veteran's Memorial

If you don't like the way things are, work to change it for the better. In 1992 that was the sentiment of a few Newton residents when they were discussing the deplorable condition of the Veteran's Memorial on the south side of the Jasper County Courthouse. They decided it was time to build a new memorial, one that would be a more fitting tribute to our veterans. The Jasper County Board of Supervisors unanimously supported the project and provided $15,000 seed money to the small group which comprised the Jasper County Veteran's Memorial Committee. Over $96,000 was raised through private contributions and the sale of bricks which are inscribed with the names of veterans, the bricks have been placed around the granite base of the memorial.

New Memorial Design

Newton artist Nick Klepinger designed the bronze sculpture that depicts a battle scene. After putting his idea on paper, Klepinger made a small clay model. Utilizing the lost wax bronze casting system, which had its origins in ancient Greece, Klepinger worked on this project for more than two years. The original memorial was built in 1928 and it was dedicated to veterans of World War I. The plaque from that monument has been incorporated with the new memorial.

It is with great pride and a feeling of accomplishment, that we dedicated the new memorial to all veterans. But, more importantly, the new bronze sculpture reflects the emotion and deep appreciation we feel in our hearts for all that our veterans have done for us, lest we forget.