Veterans Memorial Park

Cpl RD Foster Veterans Memorial Park, located in McKinney, Texas, is a 1.67-acre site situated in Van Tuyl Plaza at Craig Ranch. The park serves as a tribute to veterans and features several notable elements designed to honor those who have served in the armed forces.

The centerpiece of the park is the Wall of Honor, which displays the inscribed names of Collin County servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom. This wall not only commemorates those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also honors all veterans.

A prominent feature of the park is the American flag that flies 24 hours a day over the Wall of Honor, serving as a constant reminder of the dedication and service of veterans. At the base of the flagpole, a fountain symbolically waters Shumard Red Oak trees, each representing a branch of the Armed Services.

The park's design incorporates a ribbon-like walkway that extends from one end to the other, providing visitors with a path for reflection and remembrance. This thoughtful layout allows for a contemplative experience as people move through the space.

Cpl RD Foster Veterans Memorial Park was dedicated on Veterans Day in 2011, marking its significance as a place of honor and remembrance for the community. The park's name pays tribute to Ronnie "R.D." Foster, a Marine Corps veteran from McKinney who campaigned for the creation of the veterans memorial and served on the McKinney Armed Services Memorial Board.

As of 2023, the memorial wall listed 435 veterans, a number that has grown from the initial 365 names when the park was first dedicated. This ongoing addition of names reflects the park's living nature as a place of continuous remembrance and honor.