This park is not only home to the Lubbock Area Veterans War Memorial, but is home to the freedom fountains and the Willie McCool Memorial. Commander William "Willie" McCool, from an early age, set his sights on the future. After Graduating from Coronado High School in Lubbock, TX, Willie’s lifelong interest in science led him to a career as a test pilot for the U.S. Navy. Cmdr. McCool became an astronaut candidate and reported to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas in 1996. He was assigned the role of pilot for STS-107, a mission that featured more than 80 experiments. McCool and his six crewmates perished when Space Shuttle Columbia broke up during re-entry over the Texas Panhandle on February 1, 2003. This memorial was created as a lasting tribute to McCool: his life, his vision and his contributions to our understanding of our place in the universe. The young boy represents both McCool’s early interest in science and the sense of adventure and curiosity inherent in children everywhere who dream of achieving the impossible. May this memorial pay tribute to a fallen hero, inspire the dreams of future generations and remind us all to keep our eyes forever fixed upon the heavens. "From our orbital vantage point, we observe an Earth without borders, full of peace, beauty and magnificence, and we pray that humanity as a whole can imagine a borderless world as we see it, and strive to live as one... in peace." - Cmdr. William "Willie" McCool, January 29, 2003 The Willie McCool Memorial overlooks the Freedom Fountain, which is a spectacular symbol of American freedom made possible by four dedicated ladies and many corporate community partners. Below click ’add to interlay’, because this is one site that is a must-see! Enjoy it during the day, but it is best to view at night!