Mexican War Memorial Statue Dedication

On Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m. the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board dedicated the Mexican War Memorial Statue.

–> Click here to view the program (PDF).

The Mexican-American War played a critical role in defining the border between the two nations that remains in place today. In 1847, knowing that the capture of the Palacio Nacional would greatly disrupt the Mexican army, soldiers of the United States Marines Corps stormed an enemy castle just west of Mexico City. On Sept. 13, 1847, after two days of battle, Marines gained control of Chapultepec Castle and raised the American flag over the palace to mark their victory. The opening lines of the Marine Hymn, “From the Halls of Montezuma…” memorialize the efforts of Marines in this battle and the subsequent occupation of Mexico City.

The project was funded in part by the cities of Bryan and College Station, Brazos County and other community partners. In recognition of funding completion, members of the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial board of directors and the Brazos Valley Marine Corps League hosted a groundbreaking of the Mexican War Memorial site on Nov. 10, 2016, the U.S. Marine Corps’ 241st birthday.

Created by artist J. Payne Lara, the life-size bronze statue was dedicated in honor of all Marines at the Mexican War Memorial site of the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial on the 170th anniversary of the Battle of Chapultepec. The free event featured special guest remarks from Gen. Michael W. Hagee, the 33rd Commandant of the United States Marine Corps (2003–2006).