Press
Remembering those who serve
By Cynthia Lescalleet
Updated: 04.21.10
The newly unveiled and visually powerful Wall of Heroes at Greenway Plaza displays 171 photos of current and veteran military personnel who are related to the 13,000 employees of the property.
Tuesday morning, as the bugled notes of Reveille echoed through the food court beneath Greenway 3, passers-by joined the family and friends who had gathered for the well-attended unveiling. A simple but moving ceremony, the event included a military honor guard and inspiring remarks by a combat decorated veteran, U.S. Marine Capt. Dan Moran.
In reminding those gathered those pictured on the wall each raised a hand to swear an oath to serve and possibly sacrifice himself or herself, Moran also urged the audience to “take time out each day to help a fellow American.”
Moran received the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor, the Navy Achievement Medal with Valor, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Purple Heart. He is chairman of the board, CEO and president of Moran Enterprises Inc.
Crescent Real Estate Equities, which owns and manages Greenway Plaza, opted to add the permanent exhibition to its food court beneath Greenway 3 at the suggestion of a few veterans on staff. The company also wanted to expand its commitment to not forgetting 9-11’s devastation and surge of patriotism, said Robert Carlen, Crescent’s vice president of property management. The company has observed that event each year with a display in its buildings.
“We should have done this a long time ago,” Carlen said of the new exhibit. “It will grow. The good news is that we have plenty of walls. We’ll use them all.”
Greg Autrey, Crescent’s security and life safety manager, spearheaded the Wall of Heroes project, which earlier this year sought photos and a little information about the individuals on display. Each framed photo includes the individual’s name, branch of service and rank. A red, white and blue ribbon indicates those pictured who are currently serving and a black ribbon indicates those killed in action. The collection includes photos of those who’ve served from World War I through present day.
Following the ceremony, many in the audience reviewed the collection, taking photos, touching the frames, remembering someone’s ultimate sacrifice.
