Leaders of an initiative to construct a veterans memorial met with Warrenton aldermen Tuesday, Feb. 21, to sign a lease for land for the memorial.The Tribute to Veterans Memorial Board will lease 0.77 acre at 428 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Warrenton at the cost of $10 per year for 99 years.The centerpiece of the memorial will be an 18-feet-long wall listing the names of Warren County citizens who lost their lives in conflicts dating back to World War I.“This day has finally arrived where everyone can see work and construction schedules are being planned,” said Building Chairman Wendell Webb. “Now is the time for the community of Warren County to help with donations and purchase the pavers to allow us to complete the project in a timely manner.”Paving blocks that will form a walkway around the memorial can be purchased for $150 each, and can include a message of support or remembrance of a family member. A link to purchase the pavers online and more information about the memorial can be found at tributetoveteransmemorial.org.“This is the largest fundraiser for the TTVM project and will allow completion on time,” Webb said.The initial clearing of the property has taken place and Lewis-Bade Inc. has completed the elevation and civil engineering analysis. Bids will be solicited for the project once drawings are approved. The TTVM Building Committee has already contracted for the monument wall, statues that will also be included at the memorial, and the pavers, Webb said.Flagpoles for the property have been purchased and are in storage.The memorial will feature a wall 18 feet long, 6 feet tall and 1 foot deep. It will be made of Missouri red granite with a black granite insert and 12-inch bronze lettering reading: “Some Gave All” on one side.The other side will have the 71 names of Warren County citizens who lost their lives in designated conflicts. Names will be listed by conflict and branch of service.The wall also will have additional space to honor future war veterans.Six service flags will be displayed along with the American and POW/MIA flags in the center. The statues of a woman and child standing in front of a Battlefield Cross (boots, rifle, helmet and blank dog tags) will be facing the monument wall.“Everyone involved needs a large thank you as we enter into the final phases of this memorial, which has been in a long-term planning mission,” Webb said. “Now is the time for the construction, execution and dedication of this county memorial to our veterans and the families who have a loved one’s name on the wall.”Seated, from left, Tribute to Veterans Memorial President Rick Mantione, Building Chairman Wendell Webb, and Warrenton Mayor Eric Schleuter sign a 99-year lease of land for a planned veterans memorial, accompanied by members of the memorial board and city board of aldermen. Record photo/ Adam Rollins.
