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Resident raising funds for World War II memorial
(by Alexa Libert, staff writer - March 09, 2010)
Like many, Pickerington resident David Williard honors and respects veterans and their service.
This Memorial Day, however, Williard is showing his respect by dedicating a monument to servicemen and women.
Williard's father, who was a World War II veteran, died last February. After his passing, Williard attended a Memorial Day ceremony at Violet Cemetery and noticed the hundreds of flags placed on the graves of the deceased veterans.
"It wasn't until I saw the flag on his grave that I truly noticed how many veterans are buried at the cemetery," said Williard during a March 3 Pickerington Finance Committee meeting. "I wondered why there is no monument to veterans."
Williard contacted the cemetery trustees about having a monument placed and said they were supportive of the project.
So he set about planning and seeking funding for the memorial.
Logan Monument Company assisted Williard with the design and even offered to delay payment, which is usually expected up front, until the monument's dedication, he explained.
"The memorial will consist of a granite stone, two flag poles for the U.S. flag and the POW/MIA flag and permanent lighting to allow the flags to be flown at night," Williard said.
Since then, he has raised $4,500 in contributions from various donors.
During the committee meeting, Williard requested that the city of Pickerington also make a contribution.
"(The response) nearly made me fall out of my chair," he said.
The Finance Committee approved a donation of $2,500. If approved by council, it would bring the total funds raised to $7,000, just shy of the $8,985 needed to pay for the project.
Williard says he still has plans to approach other possible donors, however, if individuals would like to make a contribution, they may do so.
Donations can be made directly to Logan Monument Company, 156 W. Main St., Logan, OH 43138. Indicate the donation is for the Violet Cemetery Veterans Memorial.
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