Elgin dedicates addition to Veterans Memorial

Under beautiful clear blue skies, Elgin Mayor David Kaptain cut the ribbon on Sept. 28, dedicating the “Phase II”, or waterfront addition, of the Elgin Veterans Memorial Park.

The event culminated a two-and-a-half year project by the “Phase II” Committee — a group of citizens and veterans — who raised nearly $90,000 to pay for the addition.

The improvement was undertaken to allow for more dignified waterfront services, held for years on the Highland Avenue Bridge, and which have now moved to the new memorial.

Committee members say the addition will also stand as a year-round tribute to veterans interred at sea. These are men and women who cannot be recognized in the same manner as those interred in our local cemeteries.

Fundraising for the project, which extended the memorial nearly 25 feet toward the river, was paid for by donations ranging from the sale of more than 700 “supporter pins” at $5 each up to the sponsorship of small gardens for those who contributed at higher levels.

For more information about the project, visit www.elginveteransmemorial.org.