Veterans and Community break ground on Veterans Memorial of Macon County
June 6, 2007
Story by Lee Cloer, photos by Jason Shope

On Wednesday, June 6, 2007 the Veterans Memorial of Macon County broke ground for construction of a memorial park on a the site that was previously known as the Macon County Recreation Park, next to the Community Facilities building in Franklin, NC.

The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Marine Corps League of Franklin were on hand to celebrate the beginning of a journey that at its the end, will establish a long-needed memorial to those who in the past, present, and future, protect the freedoms of all Americans.

Ken Carpenter, emcee of the event, introduced Macon County Commissioner Chairman, Charlie Leatherman who spoke of the sacrifices made by so many for our beloved country. He expressed excitement and pride in being a part of a long needed memorial for veterans.

Mr. Leatherman stated, “We should never forget these sacrifices, and this memorial represents that.”

The American Legion Commander, Tom Stinnett, and VFW Commander, Patrick McConnell, donated $10,000 each from their organizations to the Veterans Memorial Committee. These donations will help the project out of the starting blocks.

Bob Litten, Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee, expressed thanks to a number of special community members for their work on this project. Special thanks were given to Tony Angel for his hard work creating large conceptual drawings of the memorial for the guests of the ground breaking to see. He also thanked Jeff Johnson Timber Frames who will build the gazebo that will exist in the memorial for just the cost of materials.

Lee Cloer, Commandant of the Marine Corps League of Franklin, told the crowd of approximately 60 guests about the website donated by Dnet Internet Services. The website contains information about the progress of the memorial, how to pledge donations online, or by mail, how to purchase commemorative bricks, and educational facts about U.S. Wars as well as about each service.

Commemorative Bricks will be a part of the final design of the memorial and will provide the opportunity for loved ones and friends of veterans to make donations while honoring those veterans.

“As Mr. Leatherman said before, ‘We should never forget’, these bricks are one of the best ways to keep that promise. With these bricks a veteran can be recognized for many years to come.” Cloer added. You can download a form to purchase a brick directly from their website, or pickup a form at the American Legion, VFW and Dnet Internet Services at the corner of East Palmer St. and Phillips St. in Franklin.

At the end of the event three shovels, a number of veterans, commissioners, and community all took part in the official ground breaking.

For more information about the Veterans Memorial visit their website at
www.VeteransMemorialMaconCounty.org