Veterans Memorial gaining ground on funds

The Chase County Veterans Memorial project is moving ahead with increased donations and sales of memorial bricks, T-shirts and caps.
    The veterans’ fair booth raised $4,500, and Imperial business’ window painting prior to the fair raised $872.50.
    There have been about 20 memorial bricks sold so far, said Veterans Memorial committee member Bud Statz.
    Each Veterans Memorial brick can be purchased for $200 and will list the individual, business or organization. All bricks will be used as part of the Veterans Memorial.
    Applications for veterans to have their name engraved on the memorial are available at all four banks in Imperial. Requirements include an honorable discharge and a $50 fee, which will go toward the cost of the memorial. Veterans who choose to purchase a brick as well will have the $50 fee waived.
    A schematic of the Chase County Veterans Memorial will be on display at all four banks.
    Donations to the memorial fund can be made out to VFW Post 4688, and mailed to: Adams Bank, PO Box 279, Imperial, NE 69033, attention Veterans Memorial.
    Veterans Memorial T-shirts and caps can be purchased at in Imperial at the VFW Post (rear entrance) or from Platinum T-shirts & Embroidery. All proceeds will go toward the memorial.
    A bronze sculpture of a kneeling soldier, hands folded in prayer, has been commissioned from sculptor Fred Hoppe of Columbus.
    The VFW also entered a float in the Chase County Fair’s parade last Saturday. The float depicted a cutout of the commissioned sculpture with the words “Let us Pray” written at the bottom. These words will be incorporated into the sculpture when it is completed.
    Any questions  can be directed to Statz at 308-882-1778 or memorial committee member Bob Thomas at 308-882-8168.