Legacy Lives On: Amarillo VA Honors Veterans at 26th Annual Patio of Honor Bricklaying Ceremony
By Emily Bell, Public Affairs Officer
The front lawn of the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center became sacred ground on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, as the legacy of 44 fallen heroes were honored during the 26th Annual Patio of Honor Bricklaying Ceremony.
Families and friends gathered to lay engraved bricks in memory of their Veteran loved ones to be permanently displayed in the Patio of Honor—each a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice that built our nation.
“This tribute holds a special place at the Amarillo VA,” said Dr. Rodney S. Gonzalez, Director of the Amarillo VA Health Care System. “It’s a beautiful way for us to remember and honor our Veterans who are no longer with us.”
Each year, the Patio of Honor grows—brick by brick—as a lasting tribute to the Veterans who served this nation. For the families and friends in attendance, it’s more than a ceremony; it’s a moment of reflection and remembrance.
“It brings tears to your eyes,” said Bill Warren, who laid engraved bricks for his father, William Hugh Warren — a World War II Veteran wounded in combat — and for his father-in-law, Glenn W. Denham, a Navy Veteran of the Korean War. “Both of these guys stepped up when they were asked to serve. We’re just proud to be here and honor them.”
The tradition began over two decades ago to create a permanent space of remembrance. Today, the Patio of Honor stands as a physical and emotional landmark, lined with engraved bricks—each one a symbol of a life lived in service.
“This may offer a sense of closure for some,” said Dr. Gonzalez. “But more importantly, it tells families that the Amarillo VA and the broader community will never forget the service of these men and women.”