OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A emphasis on God, country, and family will be highlighted with a new monument set to be revealed later this month.
The generosity of Ocala-based Cone Distributing made the project possible, providing the $141,000 needed for the Family Monument at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park (OMCVMP).
“Sometimes there’s not a word to describe the appreciation and the support,” says Ron Oppliger, Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation chairperson. “Probably the most important thing is the community coming together.”
The monument unveiling, set for Oct. 26, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., provides a great opportunity to unite, and the public is welcome, says Oppliger.
Opplinger describes it as a remarkable act by donors who are not from military families but are very patriotic. They met with Cone Distributing to discuss the projects and monuments they want to add, highlighting how the park acts as an educational resource, and they supported the idea.
The Family Monument showcases the happy side of a soldier returning home after being deployed and being greeted by his family, says Opplinger, while adding that that another project places an emphasis on the sacrifices that are made.
“There’s another one that we’re working on that’s called the Gold Star Mother Monument and that’s the sad side,” says Oppliger.
Opplinger mentions that the foundation focuses on making the park family friendly.
“It’s a place you can bring a picnic,” says Oppliger. “It’s a half mile walk around the inside perimeter of the park if you’re looking for the exercise. Plenty of benches to sit on. The theme of the park is God, country and family. And it’s right here in the center of the city.”