San Dimas H.E.R.O.E.S. Veterans Monument nears completion

Source: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Calif.文件倉Oct. 11--Thanks to "the generous outpouring of support not only for the veterans, but for the community as a whole," the San Dimas H.E.R.O.E.S. Veterans Monument is nearing completion, reported Tim Girard, vice president of the nonprofit project.Eddie Martinez Jr., the award-winning owner of EM3 Group in San Dimas who designed the monument and serves as the general contractor/monument manager, said construction crews began the third and final phase in late August. He expects completion this month. The final dedication is Veterans Day, Nov. 11.The monument, which sits in Freedom Park at the northwest corner of San Dimas Avenue and Commerical Street, is a "true testament to the children, adults and businesses of San Dimas," said Gary Enderle, co-founder with the late Janie Graef of the Helping Establish a Remembrance Of Every Serviceperson Project.The project's 21 volunteers, Girard, Enderle, treasurer Penny Stevenson, secretary Nancy Yanez and directors Robbie Brady, John Powell and Tom Nuss have collected $375,000, to date, from public donations during Fill The Helmet, San Dimas and Holy Name of Mary Church family festivals and Farmers Market street collections, business donations, concerts, golf tournaments and school and restaurant fundraisers."We began this journey because it's important to honor men and women who've served in the American military and given their all to protect and preserve our freedoms and freedom around the world," Girard said.He himself is not a veteran, but his brother John served in the Navy for 20 years and brothers Bill and Brian are Army veterans. Their father, Thomas Girard, was also a Navy man. Enderle is an Army Vietnam War veteran. Martinez's dad, Eddie Sr., served in the Air Force. Stevenson, a Marine vet, boasts three generations of Marines in her family, including grandson Kevin Fuqua Jr. who is currently enlisted. Board member Tom Nuss is a Marine and Korean War vet. World War II and Marine veteran Carl Harstine, in full dress uniform, has been the elder symbol of respect for the project.Martinez, Girard and Enderle each claimed "the real heroes" are the soldiers, sailors, Marines, Coast Guard and Navy personnel who put their lives on the line for others.And, obviously, San Dimas children, adults, seniors and business owners agree, as indicated by their d存倉nations."It's amazing how people have stepped up to the plate and contributed all the money to complete this monument. It is a truly community effort with donations as small as the change in a child's piggybank and as large as $10,000," Enderle noted."It took Penny half a day to roll the change after a Fill The Helmet," Girard proudly reported."Sentiments of support have echoed throughout the community," said Martinez, whose recent designs include the Medal of Honor Monument in downtown Los Angeles. "As a resident of San Dimas, I am only one of many who feel pride for this monument."The third phase includes two smaller 8 feet high and 10 feet wide granite walls to grace either side of the main panel for inscription of veterans' names; the south and north walkways respectively stretching from the monument to Commercial and from the adjacent Park and Ride lot to the monument; additional landscaping; the remaining brick pavers and three 18-by-24 pillar blocks. The central pillar describes the symbolic significance of the 5-pointed star fountain representing the five military branches and reminding visitors "of a hero's life of commitment and willingness to sacrifice everything for this country."One of the two new panels will not be inscribed with new names for several years. Professional artist and San Dimas High School art teacher Dominic Black will complete a temporary mural on one panel until there are sufficient inscriptions to remove the artwork.Construction on the monument's first phase began in late spring 2011, was dedicated on Veterans Day 2011 and included site grading, the central 10-feet high by 20-feet wide granite panel, the first set of pavers, one paved walkway and seven flag poles bearing the U.S., California, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine and Navy flags. The POW/MIA flag flies below the U.S. flag.The second phase, completed on Flag Day 2012 and dedicated Sept. 24, 2012, involved the uniquely designed water feature and three benches on the east side of the monument.The San Dimas H.E.R.O.E.S. Project, a nonprofit under the umbrella of the San Dimas Community Foundation, also did the San Dimas military banner program.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (Ontario, Calif.) Visit the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (Ontario, Calif.) at .dailybulletin.com Distributed by MCT Information Services儲存