Local veterans memorial paving the way to reality

By Bhonda Mataczynski

A group of area veterans came together three years ago, with a dream of a memorial to honor local veterans – the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial. After hours of discussion, research and creativity, they designed their dream, with the direction of Mark Erickson, of Everyday Surveying and Engineering.

The place for this memorial was a tract of land that was donated by Dave and Sue Staudacher. Now, came the task of raising the funds to make it a reality. With the generous donations and gifts from the community, local organizations, towns and businesses, the group purchased nine flagpoles that will be the focal point of the memorial.

“The memorial will be a place of honor,” said planning chairman Jim Mataczynski. “A place where our local veterans and those that lived, worked and retired here, can be given the respect they deserve.”

Large stones are planned that will have the names of those who served, with their rank and branch of service in the design. There are also walkway legacy stones that can be purchased to honor a specific loved one. These stones do not have to be for a local veteran.

They can honor a mother, father, a child or even a pet, and can be designated for a group, a team, a family or anyone the purchaser chooses. The stones will be placed on the walkway and can be seen by all who come to view the memorial.

“The dream of the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial is beginning to take shape,” said Mataczynski. “There have been many people behind the scenes and will continue to be many more. Many of our local businesses believe in this project so much, that they have donated their time and materials. This is going to truly be a community project.”

If anyone is interested in donating to the memorial project or purchasing a legacy stone, they can visit the group website, at holcombeareaveteransmemorial.com.