Louisville, Kentucky; August 28, 2020: Marine veterans, Jones family members, and officials from the Parklands of Floyds Fork gathered in a light rain to dedicate a bench in the Moss Gibbs Woodlands Garden (Kentucky Coffee Tree Rondel), Parklands of Floyds Fork (Broad Run Park) to the memories of two great “Friends of the Corps” – David and Betty Jones. During an informal and personal ceremony, the philanthropy of David and Betty Jones toward Marine Corps causes was gratefully acknowledged by Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky (MCCCK). The placement of this memorial bench in an area special to both David and Betty Jones is reflective of a significant donation made by the MCCCK, through its individual members, as well as its treasury. Despite COVID-19 imposed restrictions of social distancing and masking, several speakers to include Houston Mills, Russ Scott and Ed Armento expressed the admiration and gratitude of the statewide Marine Corps community for both David and Betty Jones: “Fundraising for this project was a privilege, as through it we were able to express our gratitude for the compassionate benevolence of David and Betty Jones, whose fervent desire was to leave the people of Louisville this beautiful park as their lasting legacies. David and Betty touched the lives of thousands through their integrity, values, compassion, and deep sense of charity and benevolence. Their love for the Marine Corps was steeped in their silent pride for their son, Col. Matt Jones, whose wounds during Operation Desert Storm, introduced them to the national need to care for those wounded or injured in the defense of our nation and their subsequent generosity toward the charitable work of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund throughout the remaining years of their lives. It is our sincere hope that all who come to this beautiful wooded garden and rest on this bench for just a while, will reflect on the genuine admiration, respect and gratitude that Kentucky Marines will always hold in their hearts for David and Betty Jones. Semper Fidelis!” (Photographs by Jack Cooney and Jennie Armento in Galleries section)
