Personalized bricks connect veterans with community

From Arnold Haak         

[DEC. 9, 2006]  Imprinted, personalized brick orders that were received through Nov. 9 were laid in the Veterans Honor Roll in All Veterans Park on Nov. 10.

However, this does not mean that we are no longer accepting orders. We will continue to do so until the space surrounding the memorial is filled. So, please send in your completed order forms and checks to the address on the form. You can secure the forms from the container at the park or by calling 217-732-8829. Please be very clear on the answering machine if you reach it. State your name, address and how many forms you need. They will be mailed right out to you.

But, the next laying of the bricks cannot be scheduled yet. As you know, we will be having winter weather now, and we probably will be holding off for awhile. But do not hold up on your orders. We may get a day when we will lay what has been processed.

In the words of Michael Haak, I would like to explain the concept of this memorial.

"The park was originally constructed as a typical monument to veterans, but it was sterile and seldom visited. It was decided that renewing the park with connections to individual sacrifices would be appropriate. It still honors all veterans, but is very much dedicated to each of those local connections -- fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, friends of folks living in the immediate area. When those residents visit the bricks of veterans with which they have some relationship (and they are doing so in wonderful numbers), they do so in the midst of the larger community of veterans -- all those other bricks around that one being visited. After all, when each of those veterans made their personal sacrifice, it was done as a part of that larger community.

"The plan for this park upgrade was to gain some energy from those personal connections made with the community. We feel we have been wildly successful. Visiting one brick invariably leads to investigating others around it or in the directory -- a celebratory journey for many of our visitors. We believe the nature in which the bricks are displayed helps to encourage those kinds of journeys. For each of those honored, there is or will some day be a grave site. Our goal was not an atmosphere of grieving times past, but one of connections with today. We did not want a cemetery-like atmosphere; we wanted a continuing reflection of connections. Military service is not a concept of the past -- it is an everyday reality for those in uniform and for their loved ones."

Any veteran is encouraged to have his brick laid in the Veterans Honor Roll. We request the veteran's name and branch of service. The rest of the space can be used for any information you wish. It does not matter where your residence is located. All are welcome.

[Arnold Haak, Lincoln AMVETS commander]