Organizers with the Warren County Tribute to Veterans Memorial say they are closing in on their fundraising goal.“We are now within $30,000 of our goal,” said committee member Kathy Daly.She said the group continues its fundraising. A granite bench for each branch of the military and one for POWs will be at the memorial. The Coast Guard bench is available for sponsorship and costs $5,000. Anyone interested in sponsoring the Coast Guard bench should call Bill Survant at 636-297-0480.Embossed brick pavers are being sold for $150 each until March 1. People may purchase a brick to add a personalized message or tribute. The pavers will be laid along the memorial’s walkway. Forms for brick paver sponsorship are available at Tri-County Agency, 404 East Main in Warrenton, or online at www.tributetoveteransmemorial.orgThe group is selling cookbooks and T-shirts for $15 each and holding a quilt raffle that continues until March 19, when the winner will be drawn. Quilt raffle tickets are $1 for one ticket, $5 for six tickets, $10 for arm length and $20 for arm spread. If interested in these purchases, call Beth at 636-578-2407 or Kathy at 636-544-5210.The group plans to open the memorial this year. When completed, it will feature a monument wall of Missouri red granite 18 feet long, 6 feet high and one foot thick. One side will list 71 names of Warren County veterans who died during wartime. It will also feature a bronze statue of a Battlefield Cross with the Gold Star mother and child, and flags representing the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.It is being financed by donations.“As always, we can’t thank the community enough for all the dedication and support of our Veterans Memorial and making it a reality and not just a dream. For this we are forever grateful,” she said.Its most recently completed work has been paving the second parking lot.“Things are moving, and it is getting exciting knowing we are getting close to finishing this project,” said Daly.Concrete work on the entrance was planned Feb. 2. It was delayed due to cold weather.

Workers prepare the main entrance at the Warren County Tribute to Veterans Memorial last week. The concrete will be poured when temperatures rise.

Record photo/Adam Rollins

Workers have set pavement for two parking lots at the Warren County Tribute to Veterans Memorial in Warrenton. 

Record photo/Derrick Forysthe