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Almost 1,200
inscribed bricks were purchased and are now laid in All Veterans
Park, located at the corner of Union and Ninth streets in Lincoln.
Four matching smooth, new gray granite benches surround the setting,
offering a place to rest and reflect.
Unlike some other
memorials, this program honors all veterans who have served in any
branch of the military at any time. It honors those who served in
peacetime as well as in a war or conflict whether past or present.
The honorees may have served in the Reserves, National Guard, Coast
Guard or any other U.S. military service.
"This marks our
first installation of any inscribed bricks in All Veterans Park, but
we hope to make this an ongoing event," said Les Van Bibber.
Often the time that people give
during their military service is the best years of their lives, and
some may have even given their lives while serving their country. We
need to keep in mind that whether in peacetime or during a war their
service provides for our freedom. "We want this park to be a
catalyst for that recognition," Van Bibber said.
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this article]
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The brick program
has been a cooperative effort between AMVETS Post 71 of Lincoln,
Illinois and Lincoln city officials, with special recognition going
to Alderman Derrick Crane and Street Superintendent Tracy Jackson.
Without the city's assistance, this project would not have taken
place, Van Bibber said.
Arnie Haak,
chairman, and Les Van Bibber, co-chairman, head the Post 71 Veterans
Honor Roll commemorative brick program. They will continue to accept
orders for the inscribed bricks on an ongoing basis. Ruth Haak has
served as order and name coordinator for the project.
For more information
and an order form,
click here.
Order forms are also available at the
following Lincoln locations:
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State Bank of
Lincoln
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City Hall
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Pete's Hardware
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Oasis senior
center
[News release and Jan
Youngquist]
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