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Construction on AMVETS memorial park begins
Wednesday, September 12, 2007 11:32 PM EDT
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| AMVETS Commander Gene Hook, Mayor David Cartmell, Ron Colby, Tom Whalen, Bill Wilson and Shawn Flaugher look out over the site of the American Veterans Memorial Park. Construction began three weeks ago on Phase I of the project. -- Terry Prather/Staff |
According to Post Commander Gene Hook, grading of the site began about three weeks ago in the area that will be a parking lot. Other projects included in Phase I construction are an access road into the park, a community shelter and two flag display areas.
Hook said the community shelter will be large enough to accommodate 150 people and the American flag, Kentucky state flag, and a POW/MIA flag will be flown in the first flag display area.
The second flag display will have each branch of the armed services represented, Hook said.
The park is located on Kentucky 9, the AA Highway, across from the entrance to Kenton Station Road and Meadowview Regional Medical Center.
"This is the only park throughout the country that will pay tribute to all veterans at one location," said Hook.
The park will honor veterans of all branches of the military, from the Revolutionary War to the present.
Phase II of the project will include the construction of a welcome center, complete with a gift shop and a community building. Phase III will focus on placing memorials throughout the park honoring veterans of each conflict, a memorial to POW/MIA's and a memorial to women veterans.
Hook said the anticipated cost of each memorial will be $70,000 and the overall budget for the park is $1.375 million.
Hook said the generosity and cooperation of local government entities, private businesses and individuals have enabled the organization to begin construction sooner than originally projected.
"There's been a whole lot of work going on behind the scenes," said Hook.
Persons or organizations interested in contributing to the memorial park may contact Hook at http://www.amvetspost124.org.
Contact Marla Toncray at marla.toncray@lee.net or 606-564-9091 ext. 275.
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