BELCHER, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—A man from a small town in north Louisiana spent his retirement years creating a monument dedicated to America's veterans. Now, the town is honoring his legacy with a lasting image of the community pillar.
The town of Belcher unveiled a painted drawing of Wayland Greene as part of a new mural showcasing the town's history. Mr. Greene enlisted in the U.S. Army at 18 and served overseas through the end of World War II. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. When he returned from war, he wrote about his experiences and kept in touch with his army friends. He married Jo Ann Smith, and together, they raised three children in Belcher.
"Mr. Greene was responsible for the building the war memorial here," said Belcher resident JD Riech.
The Greenes were instrumental in establishing the Belcher Veterans Memorial, which was dedicated in 2002. The memorial is lined with black engraved stones marking events from each American war, both abroad and domestic. It is also adorned with dozens of red bricks bearing the names of veterans.
"He built the walkway. He helped fund it and spearhead the project, and that was actually his house right behind us," Riech said.
"Right there? Yes. Oh my gosh I met him," replied Alexandra Meachum.
Flashback to 2016, when the town of Belcher was a victim of historic flooding. Floodwaters even reached the Veteran's Memorial's base. Meachum knocked on a door in Belcher, where sandbags were outside.
"I got prepared and put sandbags around my door just in case," Greene told her in 2016.
She discovered that the home belonged to Greene, who welcomed the young visitor to his small town and spoke about its flooded condition.
"I've never seen the water as high as it is in Belcher right now," Greene said. Greene even spoke about the monument then, about its role in the community and seeing it near flooded.
Greene lost Mrs. Greene in 2010 before he passed away in 2021. But his intent to honor veterans etched in stone is now just feet away from the mural where the couple will always be remembered.