ROME TOWNSHIP — A dream is starting to take shape behind the VFW Post 6878, outside of Proctorville.

It’s a dream of paying tribute to the men and women in the armed services who gave their lives to defend the United States, to make sure their contributions are never forgotten.

That’s why members of the Post want to see a Memorial Plaza dedicated to those soldiers right behind their headquarters. And last week the first steps were taken when flagpoles were erected and concrete was poured.

Right now, there has been about $7,000 collected, but more funds are needed if the plan for the plaza, designed by Gary Tillis, is to turn into a reality.

The next step is to install electrical conduits for lighting.

It was back in October when the idea was first considered. The goal is to install a terrace with a fountain at one end and a brick wall with a dedication to the soldiers. There will also be two other brick walls on the sides with the insignias of all the armed services.

In the middle and on either side will be flagpoles bearing the American, Ohio and POW flags.

The work is expected to be done partly with contractors and partly with labor from the members of the Proctorville Post, who pulled together to build the current clubhouse off Route 7.

“It’s starting to come together,” Dean Cooper, senior vice commander of the post, said.

Contributions to the memorial for the fallen war dead can be sent to VFW post 6878, P.O. Box 1139, Proctorville, OH 45669.