KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Construction for the new Gary Cooper Memorial is underway at the corner of Peach and Highland Street. This new and enhanced memorial will honor the memory and sacrifice of Gary Ray Cooper, a Keystone Heights High School graduate that was killed during the Vietnam War. The reconstruction committee for the Gary Cooper Memorial has been working closely with the architect Paul Stresing, the construction team at Scorpio, and the school board to bringing the new memorial into fruition after the original was removed for the construction for new Keystone Heights Elementary School Cafeteria. “It’s near and dear to my heart to be involved in putting it back more enhanced than what it was.” Said Jeff Miller, Chairman of the reconstruction committee for the Gary Cooper Memorial.

Once completed, the new memorial will be a 4ft tall, 3ft wide, 6in thick keystone shape granite stone that will have a ceramic picture of Cooper’s football picture, service picture, and a proclamation from the city stating his achievements. In addition, the stone will also have the original monument’s plaque, a bronze star, 3 Purple Hearts, and a poem on it. Its base will have the Scripture John 15:13 on it and will stand on a grey granite hexagon tile that will be 22ft across. The new memorial will also have the bricks from the original monument turn into a platform which will have a bronze statue placed on top. The committee also plans to have floodlights, a flag, and benches. Lastly, a Wall of Faces leaflet will be attached next to the monument to provide information about Cooper. “Tremendous amount of thought went into this. This didn’t just happen, this is months and months of planning.” The committee plans to have the monument completed on Veteran’s Day.

In order to celebrate the newly completed memorial, the committee is planning to host a rededication ceremony on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Alumni from Keystone Heights High School, friends, and Cooper’s family will be attending the rededication ceremony which will consist of a Color Guard ceremony and taps being played. In addition, the committee is also planning to have AmVets, American Legions, county commissioners, school board members, and the Scorpio construction team attend the event. Lastly, On November 8, Keystone Heights Elementary principal Beth Turbeville will be hosting a celebration in the school’s gym for the students to learn about Gary Cooper and his sacrifice.

Overall, Gary Ray Cooper was born on July 23, 1947 and is remembered as a town icon, coach, and a youth mentor. He was chosen for All Area and All Conference Teams in basketball and for football All Conference Teams for 2 years. He was also the class president, K-Club president, and on the student council. He was voted Best Personality and Class Superlative. He graduated from Keystone Heights High School in 1967. “He was like a protector and he’d step in if you needed something, he was there.” Said Roni Copper, Gary Cooper’s niece. During his time in the army, Cooper was known to be outstandingly brave solider and was awarded 3 Purple Heart Medals. He was also awarded the Bronze Star for Bravery in Combat, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Marksman Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He died on November 8, 1968 while serving his country in Vietnam. “He was just a fella who gave 110% while he was here and he gave the ultimate sacrifice when he went to Vietnam.” Said Miller.