Fundraising efforts are almost complete for the New London Veterans Memorial in Taft Park, which is expected to be completed this summer. As of now, about $176,000 has been raised of their $250,000 goal.
The 2016 year was highly productive, in terms of progress for the memorial. Items completed include paver installation, landscaping, and the bronze eagle that sits atop of the memorial, which was donated by the John Bekkers family last fall.
The memorial’s next step will be to acquire the granite for the memorial walls, which will arrive from Africa and have veteran names sandblasted and engraved. Right now, there are 400 names that will be placed on the granite panels, with room for a little over 1,000 more.
These panels are available to all U.S. Military who served, and can accommodate up to 17 characters. The goal for the memorial is to have at least part of the walls up for New London’s Memorial Day observation at Taft Park. Those involved are grateful for the community’s effort to help make this memorial project a reality.