Maricopa has carved out a space for contemplation and homage with its brand-new Veterans Memorial, a long-awaited tribute to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Marking a poignant convergence of history and community, this memorial found its place in the heart of the city with an emotional dedication that took place on May 24, 2025, during the Memorial Day weekend. As reported by the City of Maricopa's news release, residents convened in droves, eager to acknowledge the space that would embody the memory and valor of their own local heroes.
In attendance, Councilmember Amber Liermann honored veterans Jim Bussey and Terry Oldfield, walking through a Marana memorial when, with Mike Delaney, the conception of this project began. It was a vision that sadly, Jim Bussey, would not live to see completed, passing away in 2022. Behind banners bearing tribute near the parking lot, Councilmember Liermann recognized their unwavering commitment: "I want to thank Terry and Mike and the late Jim Bussey for their dedication," she said, as noted by the City of Maricopa. "They stepped up to make this dream become a reality."
The dedicatory event was charged with emotions, especially during the flag presentation. Veterans handled the American flag, also rendering into the hands of Bussey’s niece, Vesta, an Arizona state flag that once billowed at the state capitol, to honor her uncle's resolute commitment to the memorial project. Delving into the unfortunate mishap, Vesta shared with the City of Maricopa, "When my uncle passed away, my aunt was given his flag," and "Her condo burned down, and the flag was in there. When the veterans group found out, they made sure she had a replacement today."
Much like a compass pointing the city’s moral true north, Mayor Nancy Smith proclaimed the memorial a "constant reminder of the cost of freedom." In her urging of Maricopa's residents to embody the very principles of duty and courage that the memorial was erected to symbolize, "This is a sacred place," Mayor Smith told the City of Maricopa. "It will inspire us to strive for a better world," she added, calling the dedication not just an ending but a beginning.
