Vets memorial shows heart

Published 10:59 am Thursday, October 1, 2009

It is fitting that a community-driven project like the Burlington Veterans Memorial will be in the park known as the Burlington Commons.

Much like the efforts to create a veterans memorial and honor area soldiers, the efforts to create and maintain the Commons has long been a project that was embraced by the community and countless volunteers over the years.

So it seems only fitting that a monument to honor all the veterans from Burlington who have been killed in action or listed as missing during any military action that involved the United States will be placed in this park.

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See, both are about selflessness and sacrifice.

A variety of business owners, civic-minded individuals and the Fayette Township Trustees have worked long and hard on this.

But much of the credit has to go to U.S. Air Force veteran Chris Saunders who led the way by coming up with the concept and also by working hard to raise money for it by hosting basketball and corn-hole tournaments as well as seeking donations.

Saunders wants the community that made this possible to come be a part of the celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday. There will be a reception following the dedication at the Common’s shelter.

Two recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Woody Williams, who served in World War II and Ron Rosser, who fought in the Korean War, will speak at the dedication.

Saunders’ efforts showcase all that is good about Lawrence County and its people.

He didn’t do this for recognition. He didn’t do it for personal gain. Chris Saunders did this because it was the right thing to do.

And that is something of which all our soldiers would be proud.