Veterans memorial moves forward
Staff writer
Marion’s VFW post and supporters showed county commissioners architect’s drawings of their planned veterans memorial Monday.
In August 2021, commissioners approved a location at the county lake for the memorial, but no final design was available at that point, nor were funds raised for the project.
The location is south of the intersection of Lakeshore Dr. and Upland Rd.
The planned memorial would face the lake instead of the road.
Commissioner Randy Dallke asked whether electrical service would be needed for the site.
Supporter Josh Inlow said solar lighting would be used.
“If this was erected, what would the veterans expect as for maintenance?” Dallke asked.
Inlow said only mowing, as is already done. A volunteer will check on and maintain flags, he said.
The intended memorial is not simply a VFW project, but has support from others in the county, Inlow said.
“It’s not the VFW, it’s a group of veterans,” Inlow said.
Under the plan, any veteran who lived in Marion County at any time in their life could be added to the memorial. It would not matter whether they served in a war simply served in the military.
Now that architect’s drawings are completed, the group will acquire certification as a non-profit and begin raising money for the project.
The estimated cost is between $125,000 and $150,000.
The group expects the largest donors to be businesses, but anyone can purchase a brick with a name inscribed as part of the memorial.
A donor already has volunteered for the dirt work at the site.
VFW members Donna Kreutziger and Dan Holub said a group of memorial supporters soon will arrange a public meeting to talk about the project.