ELBERTA, Ala. — Groundbreaking on the Elberta Veterans’ Memorial took place on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

The Elberta Veterans’ Memorial committee has begun work on the monument which will recognize all military for their work. The memorial, located next to Elberta’s town hall, will provide the community a place to sit and reflect on our freedom.

Jim Richardson, a local business owner and committee chairman, says that Elberta has a lot of military history.

But he sees a lack in the town’s remembrance.

“There’s not one monument that recognizes that,” said Richardson.

“There’s a lot of veterans in the area who have served,” said Steve Kirkpatrick, member of the committee and Elberta Fire Chief.

“This is a thank you to our veterans,” Richardson said. “It will honor the brave men and women from this community.”

The committee, which includes Town Clerk Sandy Germany, hoped to have the memorial finished by Spring, but progress has been slowed.

“We need funds,” Richardson explains. They’ve planned that the project will cost $20,000, and its advancement is determined by donations and the communities support.

“I would love to have this project completed and dedicated by mid-Summer, maybe by the Fourth of July,” said Richardson. To get this done, the committee needs many more donations.

“We want the people to give us whatever they can give. Even if it’s $5 here and $10 there, it adds up,” he said.

As of now, the committee has the material needed to lay the sidewalk, which was donated by USA Concrete, and the concrete blocks to start the wall. The Town of Elberta has donated the land needed, and is willing to donate labor to build and maintain the monument. Kirkpatrick Electric is donating the lighting and electrical.

There have also been some large donations made. The VFW and the Auxiliary in Elberta each donated $1,000.

“I want to thank everyone for their response,” said Richardson.

But even those have not met the required funds to purchase the monument structure. It will take $5,000 to cover its cost.

To donate to the Elberta Veteran’s Memorial Fund, you can drop off donations at Elberta’s town hall, located at 13052 Main Street. You can also go to any Vision Bank and request to donate to the fund. For additional information call 251- 986-5995.