Veterans Memorial to be revitalized

American Legion Post 197 commander Bryan Richardson recently addressed the board of commissioners regarding the upcoming Pike County Veterans Memorial Refurbishment Project.
Richardson noted that the original Veterans Memorial was built and then dedicated on April 24, 1949 and it now needs some additional work. It was last renovated with the foundation stabilized in November 2010 and the project completed with a rededication ceremony on May 28, 2011, when the name of Lance Corp. Jeffrey Walker (who was killed in action in Iraq) was added to the monument.

Richardson asked that the county allow workers to remove the hedge at the back of the memorial and to trim the magnolia tree since one of the branches was touching the pole bearing the American Flag. Commissioners authorized Post 197 to complete the project and to coordinate with the county’s building and grounds department regarding the trimming of the magnolia tree.

Richardson also visited the Zebulon design board and they approved the project. The next step is to get the building permit from the city and the council may waive any fees at that time.

“We want to remove the stones at the base of the memorial which have been difficult to maintain,” he said. “We would like to replace the stones with concrete so we can better maintain the memorial area.”
Richardson said another part of the project would be to replace the current privet hedge, also high maintenance, with a concrete wall about 4 feet high behind the memorial while leaving enough space to walk around it. Hopefully they will be able to face and cap the concrete wall with polished marble or granite.

“Of course, we will have a rededication of the monument and add three new plaques noting who was involved in the original project and the two subsequent refurbishment projects. We are hoping to start this initial coordination work before Veterans Day and after Veterans Day begin the physical work. It’s looking like the total cost will be somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000. We are looking for benevolent sponsors to help fund and get this project completed. The goal would be to have the project completed by next Memorial Day with a rededication ceremony.”

To help with the project, email Richardson at rich5060@bellsouth.net or call 678-764-2611.