By Dr. Rob Peck
Guest Writer
“Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.”
— Douglas MacArthur
From their inception during the Revolutionary War, the U.S. Armed Forces have played a decisive role in the history of the United States. Living by the creed above, their service and sacrifice has been forever etched in the public’s consciousness.
In order to sustain their legacy, the Clay County Board of Commissioners has partnered with VFW Post 6812 and the George Lee American Legion Post 532 to bring Clay County a new Veterans Memorial Park.
During the Oct. 6, 2022 Board Of Commissioners meeting, authorization was given for initial planning and design of the Clay County Veterans Memorial Park. The park which will be constructed fully with grants and donations will be to the right of the entrance to the Veterans Park, commonly known as the ballfields.
The Veterans Park committee, consisting of veterans and auxiliary members from the American Legion and the VFW have met several times over the past year and have documented their goals and vision for the park.
That information has been presented to the Board of Commissioners and forwarded to Architect Chuck Holmes of CDH Partners, Inc. Atlanta, Ga. Holmes, himself a veteran, has taken a personal interest in this project. A preliminary design has been submitted to the county for review and further consultation with the VFW and American Legion. The estimated cost of the park will be $1.2 million.
County staff has met and discussed with state and congressional representatives regarding possible sources of funding. That said, a large portion of the costs is anticipated to be via local donations and sponsorships. If you would like to contribute to preserving the legacy of the men and women of our Armed Services, past, present and future, email Betty Bradley, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners: bbradley@claync.us or call (828) 389-0089. Further fundraising will be forthcoming from the VFW and the American Legion.
"We remember those who were called upon to give all a person can give and we remember those who were prepared to make that sacrifice if it were demanded of them in the line of duty, though it never was. Most of all, we remember the devotion and gallantry with which all of them ennobled their nation as they became champions of a noble cause."
— Ronald Reagan
Help us always remember their service and sacrifice. Forever grateful.
Rob Peck is chairman Clay County Board of Commissioners