By By MaryClaire Foster
The first steps of preparation have begun for the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars joint project to erect a monument honoring military men and women who have died during service.
The foundation was dug out Tuesday at the location in front of City Hall and will be filled with cement in the next couple of weeks.
The monument will have three sides of veterans’ names from every war and conflict since World War I and will be divided into Army, Navy and Air Force with the Marine Corps and Coast Guard being included with Navy.
Byard Swift, a VFW and monument committee member, said the project has been in the works for five or six years, and both groups see it as an important addition to the community.
Aubrey Stanley agreed it is important to recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Atmore Mayor Howard Shell said the monument is something the community should be proud of.
Swift said support is needed to cover the cost of the actual monument, which has not been purchased, and all of the necessary funds have not yet been raised. They are relying on support from the community, both monetary and physical, to get the monument erected.
Stanley said they have already received some donations in the past couple of years.
Stanley and Swift also mentioned how important it is to get a complete list of veterans’ names for the monument.
Swift said the two organizations have a couple of hundred names already and will begin working harder to get more.
Fred Salter, an American Legion and monument committee member, said they would like to have the monument up in six months.
Donations to the monument building fund can be sent to Fred Salter c/o American Legion P.O. Box 407 Atmore, AL. 36504 or to J.B. Swift at 1809 Swift Mill Road, Atmore, AL. 36502.
To contribute a fallen veterans’ name to the monument or offer services for its completion, call Swift at 368-3742, Salter at 368-9369 or Stanley at 368-5769.