The foundation for the planned Long County Veterans Memorial recently was laid in Ludowici. With that work completed, the next step toward completing the three-year project is to have the names of veterans and supporters engraved on the marble stones that will be sitting at Friendship Park.  

Veterans-memorial committee Chairman Marvin DeLoach said that even though they have received many names to be placed on the memorial, the opportunity for more to inscribe on it remains available.

He said that names eligible to be placed on the memorial are current active-duty members, veterans who previously served, or supporters of the military.

“An individual who has served his country can have his name placed on it,” DeLoach said. “A loved one can have a family member who has served put on it, or if you are just a person who supports the military and you want your name on it, you can do that, too.”

DeLoach said three marble stones will make up the memorial monument and, each one will have different groupings of people.

He said currently there are names of veterans from each war since World War II to be placed on the memorial. The highest stone will have the names of those soldiers who have been killed in action.

The memorial will be made of several marble stones, be fenced in, and have a lit U.S. Flag flown above it.  

“It’s going to be real nice, and something that all of us in Long County can take pride in, but also anyone that supports the military or who has served in the military will also be proud of,” DeLoach said.

The cost to have a name placed on the memorial is $50. He said there also will be a stone for businesses or organizations, with three different levels of sponsorships: $250 for bronze, $500 for silver and $1000 for gold.

DeLoach said the project should be completed around the middle of June. Names for the memorial must be received by Saturday, June 1.

Applications for having a name placed on the memorial can be picked up and turned in to the Heritage Bank in Ludowici or by calling 545-2706.