OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It’s an opportunity to honor and recognize those who’ve served.
The Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation (FMCVPF) set in motion a program to honor deceased family members and friends by purchasing a cross with a mounted flag adorned with the veteran’s name, their branch of service, and the military conflict they had served in, says Tom Duffy, FMCVPF media and marketing outreach person.
“The cross program was brought to us by one of our board members, Elaine Middleton,” Duffy shares. “Where she’s from in Tennessee, her town started in with the American Legion three or four years ago. Since she’s been living in Ocala for several years and became a member of the park board, she brought the idea to us, and we went out and embraced it.”
Members of the FMCVPF began doing their due diligence, finding out the cost of wood, the cost of engraving, and all of the things they would need to know before going forward with the project.
“The veterans who are honored didn’t have to be killed in action, all they had to do was serve in the military and have lived in Marion County for some part of their life,” Duffy notes. “The family member will also have to supply a DD214 to us to prove to us that their family member did serve, and then they can go forward and order a cross for that person.”
The cost is $125 per cross. The crosses will be shown in the park for one week before and one week after both Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day every year. They will be stored at the park when not on display.
“The ROTC program in the local schools and some of the scout troops in the area, have promised to put the crosses up and take them down at the appropriate times,” says Duffy.
Crosses are available for purchase. For more information call 352-804-6953 or you can access the park foundation’s website.