Thunderbirds National Guard monument coming to OKC

Just before Christmas, the State of Oklahoma held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the 45th Division National Guard Arch and Park, a monumental tribute to the Oklahoma National Guard, located on the State Capitol grounds. Established by House Bill 4012 during the 2024 legislative session, this project aims to honor the courage and sacrifices of Oklahoma’s National Guard service members, while providing a place of remembrance for visitors to the People’s House.

“This arch will stand as a powerful symbol, reminding us of the battles fought, the lives given, and the enduring spirit of those who wear the uniform,” said Gov. J. Kevin Stitt. “It will chronicle the legacy of the Oklahoma National Guard and inspire future generations to reflect on the price service members pay and the call to serve.”

Standing 30 feet tall and 60 feet wide, the limestone and granite arch will be constructed just south of the Capitol visitors’ parking lot. The monument will feature engravings of the American flag, the Oklahoma state seal, and the Thunderbird emblem, which honors the legendary Thunderbirds of the 45th Infantry Division. Other carvings will commemorate notable years in the history of the Oklahoma National Guard and Oklahoma Air National Guard, as well as key engagements and deployments that have shaped their legacy.

The Oklahoma National Guard’s storied history is particularly cherished in Blackwell, where their legacy remains deeply embedded in the town’s identity. The Blackwell Armory, once the central hub for the National Guard, may now house the Streets & Parks Department, but it will always be one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. Renowned historical artist Mort Kunstler immortalized the Armory in his painting “Goodbye Dear, I’ll Be Back in a Year,” which hangs in the Top of Oklahoma Museum. This artwork depicts Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 189th Field Artillery’s departure from the Blackwell Armory in 1940, heading for Fort Sill, and ultimately preparing for training with the 45th Infantry “Thunderbird” Division during the largest peacetime mobilization in U.S. history.

Just months later, in December 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked, propelling the U.S. into World War II. The title of Kunstler’s painting, “I’ll Be Back in a Year,” became tragically ironic, as many soldiers were gone for far longer, with some never returning. The Oklahoma National Guard’s time in World War II saw them in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and the beaches of Salerno, where they were among the few troops standing between the German forces and the sea. After facing fierce combat, the division was praised by Field Marshal Albert Kesselring as one of the finest allied divisions he had ever encountered.

Oklahoma’s soldiers continued to serve across Europe, eventually returning home in December 1945, after campaigns in Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome, South France, and the Rhineland. Their service didn’t end there, as they would later serve in the Korean War during the Second Korean Winter Campaign, the Korea Summer/Fall 1952, and beyond.

The Armory itself also served the community throughout the years. In the 1950s, it was a popular venue for dances, roller skating events, and public gatherings. In more recent years, it hosted Blackwell High School for events like homecoming float-building until 2017, when the Army National Guard transferred ownership of the building to the city.

Today, the structure stands with a Thunderbird Barn Quilt marking its legacy, and the surrounding area is being transformed into a small park featuring an amphitheater for military and public events. The new park will also include walking paths and spaces for statues and monuments honoring service members and veterans. Once completed, the arch and park will serve as a place for reflection, education, and community engagement.

The project was made possible by Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, and former Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, who authored HB 4012. Signed into law by Gov. Stitt, the bill allocated $4.3 million from the Legacy Capital Financing Fund for the construction of the arch and park, as well as a revolving fund for ongoing maintenance. At the groundbreaking ceremony, both authors were joined by the governor, Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, and Rep. Ty Burns, R-Morrison, who served with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

“Freedom is not free, and we must never take it for granted,” said Sen. Stanley. “By building this arch and creating this space, we’re ensuring the sacrifices of our National Guard members and their families are never forgotten. With its unique design, this arch will distinguish our Capitol from any other in the country. Together with the recent renovations and upgrades to the Capitol Building, the addition of the arch and park will create a space that reflects the pride and values of our great state.”

Rep. McBride echoed the sentiment, stating, “To recognize the Oklahoma National Guard’s unwavering service to the state and this nation—from their formation in 1890, their involvement in the Rough Riders, their service at the border during the Mexican-American War, and their role in every major conflict since—it’s only fitting that we honor their legacy.”

The idea for the arch dates back to 1919, when renowned landscape architect George Kessler envisioned it as part of the original design for the Capitol grounds. Though it was sidelined at the time due to funding constraints, the vision was revived after the completion of the Capitol Restoration Project in 2022. More than a century later, the arch will finally become a reality, representing a legacy as enduring as the Capitol itself.

“Every time a soldier gazes upon this arch, they will be reminded they are part of something far greater than themselves,” said Rep. Burns. “It is a legacy built on sacrifice, loyalty, and the unyielding spirit of the Oklahoman soldier and airman.”

Construction of the 45th Division National Guard Arch and Park will be overseen by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services’ Capital Assets Management team. QUAD Construction, the trusted partner responsible for renovating the historic Jim Thorpe Office Building nearby, will manage the project, which is expected to be completed within 12 months once construction begins.