NEW PALESTINE — The group working on the Southern Hancock County Veterans Memorial received a $2,500 contribution from the Sugar Creek Township Parks Board recently.
The memorial committee, which comprises many New Palestine American Legion Post 182 members, is heading up the project at Sugar Creek Township Park, which is located off County Road 700W just south of U.S. 52.
The recent donation was presented by township trustee Bob Boyer.
The committee plans to use the township funds to purchase a bench honoring veterans.
Boyer said he is still contemplating the kind of engraving they’ll put on the bench, but he thinks it will include a tribute to all Sugar Creek Township military personnel who have served past, present and future to maintain the freedoms people enjoy on a daily basis, he said.
The memorial is under construction at the park, where Parks Board officials said they are pleased with how construction is coming along.
Parks board President Scott Miller said he’s impressed with the progress of the memorial.
He said it’s been great to see years of planning and hard work finally coming to fruition. He said those taking part in the project should be proud of their efforts in establishing the memorial for the community.
Boyer and Miller have been instrumental in helping the veterans group bring the memorial to life. The parks board donated the land to construct the memorial when the group was struggling to find a site, and now it has provided some funding.
“It’s important for this memorial to be at a park because a park is a place where people visit,” Boyer said.
He said he likes the fact children playing at the park will have a chance to go over and check out the memorial and get the opportunity to learn about history and the men and women who have served the country.
Phase 1 of the memorial is scheduled to be complete by Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, officials said; they encourage people to visit the site as the walkways are complete and some of the memorials are in place.
Phase 2 calls for the construction of various smaller memorials dedicated to major U.S. conflicts. Legion members envision interactive stations that will enhance the educational aspect of the memorial. There are plans to have it completed by mid-November.
Phase 3 of the project includes constructing a stage area on the west side of the memorial, where local students can perform and entertain. There are hopes to get it installed in the spring.
The cost for Phase I has been estimated at $80,000, while the cost for the entire project is estimated at about $200,000.
The project could be completed by mid-summer, but that will depend on funding, officials said.
For details on making a contribution to the memorial, visit nplion182.org.
