One can not help but become a little emotional when their email flag pops up with a teaser notice that affects them. It read, “All Done!!! It looks great! Just need the flag flying now!” Excitement and pride swelled and I just thought, :Wow! Awesome!”
The memorial started as an idea that grew among local veterans, as they confronted the reality of no civic memorial to veterans existed in Chapel Hill or in Orange County. Their idea flickered like a flame in a window. Sometimes it just blew out, but the dream stayed alive, and veterans kept asking, “Why Not?” They went through a lot of meetings, led fundraising events, shared the story of the memorial, and just pressed on. Patience and Persistence… and a lot of “We can do it!” And, so we did.
We are especially grateful to the Commissioners of Orange County for their vision and faith in our project. Without their continuing support, the use of the Homestead Site, and funding, the memorial would still be just be “a candle in a window.”
And, above all, we thank you, the donors. Be it a quarter in a can, a dollar, a paver purchase, or a more generous gift, your help proved to others that the memorial was supported by the community. That encouraged others to step forward.
The start to finish story that brings us to the completion of Phase II (we have more to do and Phases III, IV, and V in planning) is yet to be written. But, I digress from the core story. Phase II is essentially done! (We are still waiting on the granite plaques that will go on the stonework.)
Our stonemasons from Custom Stone NC did a wonderful job of taking the designs of David Swanson of Carrboro and brought them to life. Where there was crushed stone walkways and the rough form of a flag plaza with a temporary flagpole, now stands a beautiful memorial. Custom Stones’ stonemasons gave it life! What do you think?
We have published online lots of current pictures of the memorial taking shape over the last few months. You can view the construction and finished work photos by clicking here or on the flag plaza photo to the right.
Don’t you want to see it? You can on Monday, May 31st, at 8 a.m., when we unveil the site to the public. Warning, 8 a.m. is when we start our event. We recommend you arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. We do start on time.
Pavers have been installed! Did you order one? It’s here! Bring your camera.
You will want to order a paver once you have seen how tastefully they look encircling the flagpole. Don’t worry, we are taking orders for Phase III placement. Click on the link for ordering pavers and send your order to us at Orange County Veterans Memorial, Inc., 169 Boone Square St., #223, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
Cash donations, IRA distributions, gifts from groups and estates are welcome. The Memorial is an IRS 501(c)(3). Contact us for more information.
Chapel Hill, NC – Lee Heavlin, 5/28/2021