Following a stirring update from committee members Donnie Holland, Mitzi Thomas-Lawson and Dan Bozarth, the Cadiz Rotary Club committed their full “100% endorsement” of the continued, phased development of the Trigg County Veterans Memorial Tuesday afternoon — all but confirming financial supports will be rallied and raised to see it through.
At present, a beacon for the nine fallen Fort Campbell soldiers stands at the corner of KY 272 and US 68/80 near Vinson’s Cemetery, having been cemented and commemorated last year.
However, a full vision of the surrounding property — generously donated by the Perry family — is beginning to take real focus.
Holland confirmed the “sizable project” already has more than $150,000 in funds to move ahead into “Phase 2,” which will cost about $450,000 for a 300-foot concrete learning path that winds through several panels and 12 obelisks memorializing Trigg County’s military history in the country’s numerous conflicts.
“Phase 3,” he added, would include the development of an amphitheatre, while other dressings — like extra parking, restrooms, a garden, and other outdoor exhibits — could become a reality if fundraising efforts succeed over the next few years.
WoodmenLife, he said, has already committed to places flag poles and some colors along the berm, each of which will hoist a different service academy flag.
Thomas-Lawson affirmed that several community partners have already come together for this endeavor, including the Trigg County High School Career and Technical Center.
Bozarth said the learning trail would start with World War II recognition, but reflect on other chapters.
Several Rotary members — including President Beth Sumner, Edge Media Group’s Beth Mann and others — said club support could be similar to when they helped Genesis Express with its construction of an inter-generational facility on Jefferson Street, and that other creative fundraisers like commemorative bricks could help bring added revenue streams to what many believe will become a “living, breathing” location capable of hosting memorial remembrance and light visitor recreation.
A website is also currently in development, where visitors to the park will eventually be able to scan QR cards and research Trigg County’s military history in one location.
The hope, Holland said, is to have all of this said and done in the next “three-to-four years.”
FULL PROGRAM:
In other Cadiz Rotary news:
+ The February 24 meeting will be held at Trigg County High School, in conjunction with the Third Annual “Amazing Shake” competition.
+ And, valued at $2,500, club members unanimously approved to be one of the two piano sponsors of the “Dueling Pianos” Hopkinsville Community College Foundation dinner on March 13, putting ultimate pressure on the Rotary Club of Hopkinsville to “join in on the fun rivalry.”
