Fundraising for veterans memorial plaza under way

A major fundraising effort is underway to construct a plaza to memorialize veterans in Dewitt DeWeese Park where a 20-foot monument was destroyed in an April 18 tornado.

The plaza will feature stones representing each war beginning with World War I. The names of Neshoba Countians who died in action will be engraved on the stones.

"It's a great idea," said Gold Star mother Deborah Ladd, whose son Sgt. Joshua Ladd, died in action in Iraq May 1, 2004. "It was sad when the monument was destroyed. But I knew they would try to replace it.

"In the park setting, people can come and read the names. This is something that will make people realize what a sacrifice people have made, serving in the military. It will honor our fallen."

The group of veterans who organized the committee is hoping to raise $100,000.

Tickets are being sold now for a fund-raiser. Contact Ray Crocker at 601-663-6674 for more information. They plan to reach out to local businesses and individual in the coming weeks.

What's more, memory bricks that will bear names of the buyer's choice are being sold. The cost is $125 for 4"x8" bricks and $200 for 8"x8" bricks. Order forms may be picked up at the Community Development Partnership, City Hall and the County Administrator's Office.

"The response has been fantastic," committee vice chairman Ray Crocker said. "No one hasn't been excited about what we are doing."

The plaza will be handicap accessible. "It is going to be something that our community will be proud of," Crocker said.

Memorial benches will be sold as well, he said. Letters are being sent out to local businesses inviting them participate and churches will also have an opportunity, Crocker said.