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Major Ripley Allen Arnold Monument And The John V. McMillan Plaza Ground Blessing

June 6,2013

The historic ground blessing of the future site of the Major Allen Arnold Monument and the John V. McMillan Plaza was celebrated on Thursday, June 6, 2013. The event took place behind the TCC Trinity River Campus at the confluence of the Clear and West Forks of the Trinity River.

The ceremony featured:

* Ceremonial Native American blessing by Eddie Sandoval, Apache spiritual leader

* Native American music and dance by The Sovo Family Drummers and Dancers: The Lords of the Plains

* Presentation of scale model of bronze statue of Major Ripley Arnold, founder of Fort Worth

* Renderings of the John V. McMillan Plaza

* Remarks by community leaders

In Native American spirituality, the Medicine Wheel represents harmony and connections and is considered a major symbol of peaceful interaction among all living beings on Earth. The Medicine Wheel was an important part of the Ground Blessing Ceremony at the future site of the Major Ripley Allen Arnold Monument and the John V. McMillan Plaza.