Newkirk teen leads "Walk of Warriors" Project to honor Kay County veterans

by Charles Gerian

Newkirk is about to become the home of the Walk of Warriors, a project from the Newkirk American Legion Auxiliary and the City of Newkirk as part of the Newkirk Pathway Project.

The Walk of Warriors is a brick-paved walking path that will be located on the Kay County Courthouse grounds in downtown Newkirk. It will start at 9th Street and run along Main Street to the sidewalk leading to the Kay County War Memorial.

The Kay County Walk of Warriors project was created at the end of October, and more than 250 pavers have been sold, according to Hannah Cross, a member of the Kay County 4-H chapter. She said she made it her mission to honor local veterans after a previous 4-H project.

“Last year, I interviewed a lot of veterans,” Cross, a Newkirk teenager, said. “I got to hear their stories, learn about their sacrifices. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming, and after securing the money for it through a federal grant last year, working with the American Legion and the City of Newkirk, I wanted to make sure these veterans would be honored for generations to come.”

Brick pavers may be purchased to honor any American who has served or is currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. The deadline to order is Dec. 31.

The veteran does not need to be a resident of Kay County, and anyone can purchase a brick paver in support of a veteran.

For more information, visit the Facebook page "Kay County Walk of Warriors" or email kaycowalkofwarriors@gmail.com.

Each 4-inch-by-8-inch paver will be engraved using state-of-the-art laser technology that has a lifetime guarantee to never fade, chip, oxidize or peel. Each paver will have a veteran’s branch of service crest on the left-hand side. The veteran’s first and last names will be centered on the brick.

Each paver costs $75.

The proceeds from the paver sales will assist with the project and provide sponsorships for high school students to attend Oklahoma Girl's State.