PRESS RELEASE
For more information contact:
Administrator Vicky Earhart
7850 Five Mile Road,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45230
Phone: (513) 688-8400
E-mail: vearhart@AndersonTownship.org
Veterans Memorial Construction to Start June 2017
A several-year grassroots effort to build a veteran’s memorial in Anderson Township has reached its fundraising goal of $85,000, with construction now planned to start in early June.
The Anderson Township Veterans Memorial will be located on the south plaza of Anderson Center, overlooking Anderson Lake. Five pillars will soon surround three flags already stationed on the plaza, with the pillars representing each branch of the United States military.
The concept for the veteran’s memorial involved numerous entities including Anderson Township, the Forest Hills School District, the Anderson Township Park District and American Legion Post 318. Fundraising kicked off in 2014, when Pinnacle Entertainment owner of the Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center, donated $50,000, while Kroger donated $10,000 the same year.
“This project was truly a community effort,” said Commander Don Bishop of Anderson Township American Legion Post 318. He noted more than 50 people had some role in its completion. “It was envisioned by the Veterans Memorial Steering Committee, it was designed by Anderson High School students, it was funded by large and small donors throughout the community, and it’s being constructed by local businesses under the direction of the township.”
Currently, Anderson Township hosts its annual Memorial Day Remembrance and Bell Ringing service at this site overlooking Anderson Lake.
“I’m delighted that the first stage of the Anderson Township Veterans Memorial will finally become a reality,” Bishop said. “This project began more than eight years ago over coffee and a simple question; ‘How could the veteran community and the township work more closely together?’” Bishop said.
“I cannot tell you how excited this board is to finally see this come together and I am grateful for the couple of dozen very generous donors who made it happen,” said Josh Gerth, Anderson Township Trustee President. “It will be an incredible tribute to the local veterans who have served and will be an anchor in the center of our community.”