History of the Wise County Veterans Group (WCVG)

The Wise County Veterans Group (WCVG) was founded in 2002 by a dedicated group of 21 charter members. Its primary objective is to create a platform that honors and supports our country in various meaningful ways, while also recognizing the exemplary contributions made by returning veterans from previous conflicts.

Since the establishment of the Wise County Veterans Group (WCVG), our membership has consistently grown. We convene on the first and third Saturday of each month, where we enjoy breakfast and camaraderie while fostering connections within our community. Additionally, the WCVG actively participates in various County and City events as appropriate. We also offer graveside Military Honors for deceased Veterans upon the request of their family members and funeral homes.

In 2005, we designed and constructed the Wise County Veterans Memorial Park in Decatur, the county seat. This park was entirely funded by contributions from the citizens and businesses of Wise County. It was officially dedicated on November 10, 2005, with the Honorable US Representative Kay Granger as our guest of honor. Since its opening, the park has been in continuous use, honoring our national patriotic holidays and other significant events. We have received both national and international acclaim for this park, recognized as one of the finest west of the Potomac River.

Following the success of the Park, we initiated plans for the Wise County Veterans Museum as an extension of our efforts. Many of our members expressed a desire to donate items that would enrich the heritage of Wise County, Texas, and our nation. It was imperative to preserve these artifacts and stories before they were lost to time. The Museum aims to offer visitors a foundational understanding of our military history and the Texas heritage that contributes to it.

In 2014, the City of Bridgeport generously assisted us by acquiring a beautiful facility perfectly suited for our needs, located in the heart of Bridgeport, which they made available for our use.

We sought funding from various organizations across Wise County, which enabled us to fulfill our commitment to establish the First-Class Museum for our County, State, and Nation. The Museum was officially inaugurated on September 11, 2015, with Lt. Gen. Richard Carey, USMC, a Korean War veteran, serving as our guest speaker.

The Museum is now in its 10th year of operation, and we are confident that this County Museum will soon gain nationwide acclaim as a valuable complement to our County Park and a catalyst for the economic development of our community. We eagerly anticipate new additions and the potential for expansion as opportunities arise.

Updated 01/02/2025

The Wise County Veterans Group is a registered 501(c)(3) organization (EN#55-089170). Donations made to this community-wide initiative are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated. A plaque recognizing donors who contribute $1,000 or more is prominently displayed in the Museum.