Maricopa Dedicates First Veterans Memorial in Emotional Ceremony

Published on May 29, 2025

There’s now a place in Maricopa where you can pause, reflect, and remember the people who put everything on the line for our freedom. It’s more than a memorial. It’s a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice that built our country and continues to protect it. 

On May 24, 2025, the City of Maricopa unveiled its first-ever Veterans Memorial. This permanent space honors the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Hundreds of residents gathered for the dedication ceremony during Memorial Day weekend, witnessing a moment that was years in the making. 

The idea began with a simple visit. Local veterans Jim Bussey and Terry Oldfield were walking through a memorial in Marana when inspiration struck. Along with fellow veteran Mike Delaney, they started collaborating with the city to bring that vision to life here in Maricopa. Jim, who passed away in 2022, didn’t get to see the memorial completed, but his passion and dedication are reflected in every detail. 

“I want to thank Terry and Mike and the late Jim Bussey for their dedication,” said Councilmember Amber Liermann, pointing to banners hung in their honor near the parking lot. “They stepped up to make this dream become a reality.” 

The dedication included a moving flag presentation, where veterans gave an American flag, as well as an Arizona state flag to Bussey’s niece, Vesta. The original American flag, presented at Bussey’s funeral, was unfortunately lost in a condo fire last year. The Arizona flag, which flew at the state capitol, was an added touch to honor his commitment to the memorial project.  

“When my uncle passed away, my aunt was given his flag,” Vesta said. “Her condo burned down, and the flag was in there. When the veterans group found out, they made sure she had a replacement today.” 

Vesta described her uncle as a man of “strength and unwavering resolve,” whose commitment to service shaped the memorial. “His dedication was matched only by his commitment to his community,” she said. 

Mayor Nancy Smith called the memorial a “constant reminder of the cost of freedom.” She urged Maricopa to honor veterans’ values of duty and courage. 

“This is a sacred place,” Smith said. “It will inspire us to strive for a better world.”