Village Baptist Church Memorial Prayer Garden and Statue Dedication

Village Church in Destin will have the official dedication of the Memorial Prayer Garden and bronze sculpture "Lest We Forget," by famed Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz on Sunday, May 27, at Village Church at 101 Matthew Blvd. in Destin. It will be on the north side of the Village Church grounds by the flag pole at 11:45 a.m. immediately following the 10:30 service.

The statue is set in the Memorial Prayer Garden and is dedicated to all present and past service members and first responders. Several local surviving WWII service men will be our guests of honor as well as law enforcement and local officials. The Village choir will perform the salute to the armed services. A few short comments will be made and a reading of a piece honoring our fallen, written by Ron Padgett; who acquired the statue and is the force behind the project.  The event will be concluded with a fly over by the WWII War Birds.

The statue is a life size (2000 lb.) solid bronze work by Schmalz; who has works all over the globe, including the Vatican. Some of his works have been personally blessed by past Popes. His works are a testament to our Christian faith and to the dedication of so many who have given so much.

The garden patio is made up of bricks engraved in dedication to loved ones past and present. Many have already been set with such dedications and bricks are available for purchase by anyone.  All proceeds go for perpetual care of the prayer garden.

We invite the public to be a part of this ceremony of dedication; honoring those who serve and give of their all.  Please be part of helping us honor these men and women - "Lest We Forget."

For more information please contact Linda Blackwood at Village Baptist Church at 850-837-8107 or Ron Padgett at 850-855-7280.