Howard Armstrong, Wellsburg's former city manager spoke at Smiths' memorial service and encouraged everyone attending the service to honor the memories of Brooke County's fallen servicemen. Joan Nicholson, Smith's aunt, later asked the Wellsburg City Council to support the concept of a veterans park and offered to raise support for the project. A committee was immediately formed and efforts to establish the Park began.

Initially, the Memorial was envisioned as being located in the Wellsburg town park located between 17th and 18th streets. The committee found that there was a conflict with the deed to the park and sought another site. Brooke Hills Park located along route 27 east of Wellsburg was chosen as the new site and planning for this site began in 2007.

Various fundraising events are planned throughout the year.