Veterans memorial effort worthy of a resolution

As the year comes to a close, many people review donations they’ve made during the year. Others may take the last few days of December to write out a check or two for tax benefits. Or maybe the Christmas season really hits your heart and you want to continue to give.
Whatever is your situation, I hope you consider the Veterans Memorial fundraising effort underway in our community for a contribution either before 2017 ends or during the New Year.
A committee is working diligently toward raising the estimated $200,000 necessary for a memorial in Imperial.
Frankly, I’m surprised Imperial doesn’t have one already, as many communities this size do. But you, your family, your business or the organizations you belong to can help make the committee’s effort a reality.
First and foremost, the committee wants to get every local veteran who lives here now, or has lived in Chase County, to be listed on the registry. That is free of charge to any veteran with ties here.
Secondly, there is the brick donation program. For a $200 donation, a memorial brick can be purchased to honor a veteran who may be a member of your family but doesn’t live here, or the brick can simply list your family name, business or organization with some wording if you choose. For instance, I’m planning to purchase one for my dad, who was a Purple Heart-awarded World War II Marine but never lived in Imperial. Members of The Giving Circle in Imperial purchased a brick with the wording, “We gave because you gave.”
Thirdly, there are fundraisers that can be supported like buying a T-shirt or hat, raffles and a spring golf tourney.
As we enter a New Year, we all have resolutions. Hopefully, your help in making the Veterans Memorial a reality is one of them. Happy New Year!