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During World War
II, the citizens of Glen Carbon, Illinois raised money to erect an honor
roll of 182 men and women from the Glen Carbon area serving our country.
Mrs. Sophie Lawson donated the land in memory of her husband, Mr. Merton
Lawson. The original memorial, dedicated on October 15, 1944, consisted
of wood panels supported by three brick columns and gold cannon balls.
Unfortunately, over
time, the wood plaques deteriorated and were removed and never replaced.
Instead, wrought iron railing was installed between the brick columns.
Recently, a group
of citizens organized as the Glen Carbon Veterans Monument Committee to
study the renovation of this site. Randy Mardis, ASLA of Landscape
Technologies met with the committee and worked with them, donating his
time for the design work. Others donated benches, concrete paving,
granite markers, lighting and landscaping. Additional funds were raised
through the sale of engraved brick pavers.
All
new paving replaces the original steps and paving, eliminating
all barriers for the disabled. The Public Works Department was
convinced to reconstruct the curb so that three parking spaces
would be provided parallel to Old Meridian Road. Three new
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flagpoles, four benches
new landscaping was also provided. Five lighted granite markers honoring
each of the five branches of service radiate around a central focal
point which displays a bronze “Fallen Soldier” sculpture.
The
newly completed Veteran’s Monument was dedicated on November 11, 2007,
attended by the committee members, families, city dignitaries and an Air
Force color guard. A special touch was a flyover by the 458th
Airlift Squadron of the United States Air Force.
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