GREEN COVE SPRINGS - A new pavilion dedicated to the memory of one local veteran is in the Clay County Historic Triangle.

Recently unveiled, the pavilion features a plaque that reads the name of retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Mason “Ed” Wiggins Sr. 

Ed served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars for 28 years. He was a family man and someone who loved his country.

He passed away back in 2020. 

Gary Newman, the president of the Florida State Council for the Vietnam Veterans of America, was the catalyst behind the monument. 

Newman, a fellow veteran, came up with the idea of creating something to honor Ed’s service. 

Seven years ago, Newman spearheaded the TAPS Military Monument, which also resides in the triangle. That project was in collaboration with Ed’s son, Joseph B. Wiggins Sr., and his construction company. 

Newman said that to make the new pavilion a reality, he reached out to Wiggins again to partner up, and the rest is history.

With the help of what he calls the three pillars — the TAPS monument committee, Wiggins Construction and the county's public works department - Newman raised the memorial from the ground. 

Newman said the project received an outpouring of support throughout last year, from raising funds to receiving donated materials.

“If we didn’t have one of the pillars, none of it would have been accomplished,” Newman said. “So, it was a good partnership.”

According to the county, the official pavilion will serve as a venue for future events, celebrations and moments of reflection. 

At its unveiling ceremony, the Wiggins family, Newman family, fellow Vietnam veterans and county staff joined to celebrate the new addition. Newman said it was great to see the hard work come to life.

“It was quite self-satisfying,” Newman said. “Especially that we got to recognize one of Clay County’s war veterans.”

Wiggins said it was an honor for him and his family to witness the unveiling of his father’s monument. As a military family, Wiggins said their pride for their country is generational. 

And, although the occasion was bittersweet, he said it felt great to give back to the community. 

“The Vietnam veterans are such an amazing group of people that have given so much for our country,” Wiggins said. “And to be associated with them and to help with this pavilion is just amazing to our family.”