Crews have already started working on the Starke County Veterans War Memorial Plaza on the southeast corner of the Starke County Courthouse Square.
In an interview with WKVI Morning Show Host Charlie Adams on Thursday, Mark Smith said the Starke County Highway Department recently assisted with the excavation work at the corner of Pearl and Washington Streets where the ground-level plaza will be constructed. Smith, who is on the Starke County Veterans War Memorial Plaza Committee, commented that the plaza will be more easily accessible by those with mobility issues. It will give them a better opportunity to experience the history.
Drainage work is being conducted and then concrete work will begin.
The black granite that will be used to display the etched names of the fallen soldiers is making its way from overseas. It is traveling from Florida to Vermont for carving. The monument will be 30 feet long and 7 feet high and shaped in an arc.
The plaza will feature lighting and seating for visitors.
Residents still have an opportunity to donate toward this effort. Smith asks that you log onto patronicity.com and search for Starke County. On that site will be a crowdfunding matching grant opportunity with the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. If the county can raise $50,000 by July 21, the IHCDA will match it to complete the funding for the project. So far, $8,500 has been raised.
Memorial bricks may be purchased at a cost of $150 apiece and a bench can be sponsored. For more information, call the Starke County Auditor’s Office at 772-9101.
If all of the funds can be raised and construction stays on schedule, the official dedication ceremony will be held on Veteran’s Day.
