Fort Wayne residents gathered Wednesday afternoon for the dedication of The Spire: Wounded Veterans Memorial, a new tribute to wounded veterans located at the roundabout where Saint Francis Drive meets West Main Street. The ceremony, scheduled for 5 p.m. on Nov. 11, was open to the public and drew roughly 400 attendees, according to the Journal Gazette.
Mayor Sharon Tucker addressed the crowd, emphasizing the city’s commitment to veterans. “We want you to recognize the city of Fort Wayne has your back,” she said, adding that she was proud to live in a community that values veterans. Tucker also noted that the monument honors the late Mayor Tom Henry, an Army veteran, and his wife Cindy Cox Henry, the daughter of a Korean War veteran.
Artist and sculptor Cary Shafer, who designed the piece, explained that The Spire is constructed from 111 pieces of Indiana limestone and includes steel and aluminum ornaments. He said the design was inspired by the many church spires that dot the city, and he aimed to avoid creating a visual distraction for drivers. Shafer’s remarks grew emotional as he described the project as a privilege.
Public Works Director Shan Gunawardena, who highlighted the memorial as a career highlight of his 32‑year tenure, recalled that Tom Henry was the catalyst for the $12 million road‑safety project that extended the former Leesburg Road, added a new traffic signal on Jefferson Boulevard, and installed sidewalks, drainage, lighting and landscaping. Gunawardena said Henry’s enthusiasm for the monument’s initial sketch was evident, even though Henry passed away before the project went out to bid.
Family members of the Henrys also spoke. Tony Henry, Tom’s brother, called his sibling “a visionary” who “planted the seed, and other people watered it.” Jessica Henry, a sister‑in‑law, highlighted the monument’s placement near the University of Saint Francis, VFW Post 857, Lindenwood Cemetery and the historic Nebraska neighborhood, describing the roundabout as a symbol of enduring community commitment.
WOWO reported that veterans were encouraged to wear their uniforms, with special seating reserved for Purple Heart recipients. Parking was made available at nearby VFW, Power Dynamics and SweetCars lots, and Saint Francis Drive and West Main Street were closed to through traffic from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, though access to the designated parking areas remained open.
What’s next: The Spire will remain a permanent fixture at the roundabout, serving as a daily reminder of Fort Wayne’s respect for its wounded veterans. City officials indicated that the surrounding road‑safety improvements will continue to be maintained, and the project website provides further details for residents interested in the memorial’s history and future community events.
Sources: journalgazette.net, wowo.com
