By DANIEL MOCTEZUMA
The Belton Journal
The Belton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Veterans Day Patriot Way Brick Walk Dedication Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11 at the Chamber’s front parking lot, bringing together the Belton community to honor veterans and spotlight the growing Patriot Way Brick Walk.
Community leaders, including State Representative Hugh Shine and Mayor David Leigh, gathered alongside veterans, VFW members, and local residents to commemorate the service and sacrifice of veterans.
The ceremony included the presentation of colors by the UMHB ROTC Color Guard, an invocation, and remarks from various leaders.
Randy Pittenger, President and CEO of the Belton Chamber, described the event as a meaningful opportunity for the community to recognize its veterans.
“We are excited to honor those who have served our country and our community with this Veterans Day ceremony, and we are especially excited to recognize the veterans honored with bricks added during the past year to the Patriot Way Brick Walk,” said Pittenger.
Speakers reflected on the importance of veterans to the local community, offering perspectives on their contributions both in military service and in their roles within Belton. Mayor David Leigh noted the strength of the community and the depth of connections residents share with local veterans.
“Belton is a special place, and we have a number of significant servant leaders in our community who have military service,” said Leigh.
Belton’s Patriot Way Brick Walk, originally established through a collaboration between the Chamber and the City of Belton, serves as a lasting tribute to local veterans.
The brick walk, located along Central Avenue, includes engraved bricks representing individual veterans, accompanied by storyboards that share their history. Each year, the walk expands as families and friends add new bricks to honor veterans past and present.
The ceremony’s highlight was the recognition of new honorees with bricks added during the past year.
This year’s honorees included Ray D. August, Capt. John Biggerstaff, Joe Brady, Sgt. Luis A. Montero, Maj. Charles W. Sage, and many others. A full list of honorees is available on the Belton Chamber’s website.
“It’s heartwarming to see so many organizations come together today,” said VFW Post 1820’s Bobby Fishoff. “My heart swelled up with so much appreciation for each of you being here.”
For community members, the ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the role of veterans in shaping Belton. Representative Shine spoke to the sense of duty and service veterans embody, emphasizing how their contributions define Belton’s identity as a veteran-friendly city.
The Patriot Way Brick Walk remains a visible reminder of Belton’s respect for those who have served. The Chamber encourages families to visit and explore the walk, where each brick tells a unique story of dedication and sacrifice. Bricks can be ordered for veterans through the Belton Chamber’s website, where a searchable database of honorees is also available.
Community members interested in contributing to future events or honoring a veteran with a brick can contact the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce or visit their website at www.beltonchamber.com.
