The Nemaha County Veterans Memorial is becoming closer to a reality as the steering committee has approved a final design, its location and a funding plan. Last week, a sign was placed in Auburn’s Legion Memorial Park in about the same area where the memorial will be created.

Committee Chairman Monty Lovelace said the goal of the Nemaha County Veterans Memorial is to build a permanent memorial dedicated to honoring the men and women of the United States military who have served their country. The idea is to tell the story of the sacrifices which these veterans has made.
The memorial, to be located on the west side of the park and south of the entrance, will consist of five granite and stone wings coming off the points of a star to symbolize the branches of service. One side of the wings will have the engraved names of veterans listed. The other side will include etched drawings of historical images. In the center of the star will be a pedestal engraved with the branches of service: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. Three flags will be placed around the area, along with benches, lighting and a flagstone walkway. A sign will be placed at the entrance along with appropriate landscaping.
According to the steering committee, the cost of the project will be approximately $85,000. While much time, work and dedication have already been put towards the project, it will still require a significant level of participation by individuals, corporations and foundations. They hope to have the entire amount needed raised by the end of this year and to begin construction during the spring of 2011.
The group is asking family and friends, businesses and corporations to help by contributing $150 for a specific veteran’s name to be engraved on the wall, and donations will be needed with the donors’ names placed on granite pavers, benches, etc. within the landscaped area.
Lovelace told the newspaper that while it costs $150 for a veterans name to be put on the memorial, they encourage anyone to still fill out an information card even though the financial obligation might cause people to hesitate. “We want to see everyone honored who deserves recognition,” he added.
A dinner is planned on Friday, May 21 at the Johnson Legion Building for people to learn more about the Nemaha County Veterans Memorial.  Lovelace said all monies collected from this point on should go towards the expense of the memorial itself. He added that smaller signs with informational brochures have been placed throughout the county at banks and at the courthouse.
The steering committee was comprised of Lovelace, Fred Allen, August Blinde, Loras Baumhover, Mary Kruger, Becky Woltemath, Dick Stich, Loyal Eitzmann, T.O. Davison and Dennis Wittmann.