Capital campaign to begin for veterans memorial

Clear Lake V.F.W. Post 4868 and Auxiliary is ready to kickoff a $100,000 capital campaign to fund a veterans memorial to be located in the courtyard of their Main Avenue Post, 219 Main Ave.  The kickoff, which will include an overview of the plan, an opportunity to view an illustration of the project and ask questions of committee members, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11.

The veterans memorial will consist of black granite slabs.  Two exterior walls of the Post will each hold three slabs of granite engraved with the names of veterans, both living and deceased.

In addition to the walls, the design includes benches, possibly made of limestone or marble, built around three flag poles outside of the entrance to the building at Main Avenue and 3rd Street.  The center pole will feature service emblems.

A unique feature will be five life size bronze statues mounted to the building representing each branch of the armed forces.

David Moore, owner of Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels, has offered to provide labor and materials for the memorial.

V.F.W. Post 4868 Commander Mike Nelson said Post membership is excited about the veterans memorial project.

“This basically went from an idea thrown out in May to almost immediate unanimous support.  Then  I talked to Dave Moore and he made a very generous offer,” he said.

Nelson said a tentative timeline has the capital campaign wrapping up by Summer 2018, with a dedication of the memorial on Veteran’s Day 2018.

Those wanting to contribute to the capital campaign are encouraged to send their contribution to: Clear Lake V.F.W., c/o Veteran’s Memorial, P.O. Box 191, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428.

Noon lunch to benefit monument

Prior to the capital campaign kickoff for the Veteran’s Memorial Wall at Clear Lake V.F.W. Post 4868, 219 Main Ave., veterans and the public are invited to enjoy a noon lunch prepared by Kristie Meints and Titan Pro and served by the women of the V.F.W. Auxiliary.   Serving will take place from 11:30-1 p.m., or until gone.  Veterans eat free; others are asked to make a free will donation for the meal.  All proceeds will go to the VFW Monument fundraising kickoff immediately following meal. An RSVP is greatly appreciated; contact Linda Dockwell at 641-425-7127.  The menu includes ham and brisket, scalloped potatoes, corn, baked beans, homemade bread,  pies and chocolate chip bars, along with coffee, lemonade and water.