OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The new Family Monument at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, unveiled on Nov. 10, honors the importance of family and the profound depth of sacrifice.

The sculpture portrays a military member returning from deployment, embracing his wife and being welcomed by his daughter. Made possible by a generous $141,000 donation from Cone Distributing, Inc. to the Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation, the monument stands as a tribute to family and sacrifice.

The back of the Family Monument that was unveiled Nov. 10 at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Johnson Granite Supply designed the Family Monument that was unveiled at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Nov. 10 Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
The Family Monument that was made possible by the generosity of Cone Distributing was unveiled Nov. 10 at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

“This is a long time coming—a lot of planning, and a lot of preparation—and one year from today, when a check was presented, is the fruition of some mighty efforts,” says Todd Belknap, Veterans Helping Veterans USA deputy director. ”

One of the speakers at Sunday afternoon’s unveiling, Ocala City Councilman James Hilty Sr., understands the sacrifices made by families firsthand, having served as a U.S. Marine deployed to Southeast Asia.

“I can relate to the significance of this grand statue and what it exemplifies,” says Hilty Sr.

The monument was designed by Johnson Granite Supply of North Kansas City, MO. Tripp Johnson, a long-time friend of the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, collaborated closely with his team on this project and has contributed to multiple memorials at the park.

The park, which first opened in 1997 and was rededicated in 2005, is home to over 7,000 memorials, said Hilty, Sr.

“The bricks, plaques, and benches displayed here honor the men and women of the armed forces—those who swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. And those of us who swore that oath know it has no expiration date,” said Hilty Sr.

Cone Distributing Inc.’s decision to fund the project was deeply influenced by a commitment to honoring Armed Forces veterans, their families, and the sacrifices they’ve made.

“Thank you for the opportunity for us to give back in such a small way,” said Doug Cone III, Team Cone’s Director of Engagement and Charitable Contributions. “We are honored to be able to dedicate this family statue to our veterans and their families. Let this statue be a constant reminder of the importance of the family unit and the support they provide to the men and women in our community who’ve sacrificed so much.”