Field Of Honor Project Moves Forward In Troy
By Steve Rensberry, Editor
Organizers and former Troy Alderman Tim Greenfield, along with committee members, are continuing to work to build financial support for a planned Field of Honor and Service at Tri-Township Park.
A recent brochure about the project cites a total budgeted amount of $430,452, with the total already committed listed as $216,500, leaving $213,952 that they still need.
“Our mission is to continue our history of honoring the extraordinary men and women both military and first responders who sacrificed so much to preserve our way of life, the American way of life,” the brochure states.
Organizers are actively seeking volunteers and donations, either monetary or through the donation of certain items or parts of the project.
The project will involve a remake of the current Veterans Memorial at the park, which was started as a Cub Scout Pack 38 project several years ago. Memorial stones were added in 1998, and additional flags were added in 2000 as an Eagle Scout Project.
As noted in the brochure however, the block wall around the memorial has begun to show signs of age, with large cracks that continue to grow. The sidewalks around the memorial are also sinking in some areas, and the flagpoles are beginning to lean. Flooding is also a frequent problem at the site.
“In January 2019, a committee was formed to look at the current Veterans Memorial and produce some viable solutions,” the brochure notes. “The committee envisioned a project to re-imagine, redesign, relocate, and include First Responders. The committee chose a new design and started the task of making this happen. Along the way, other members of the community suggested ideas that were also incorporated.”
Added features include a Purple Heart section honoring America’s Combat Wounded; a POW/MIA area to honor those who gave their lives; and a Stairway to Heaven area remembering individuals who have given their lives for others.
Donation can be made at the First Collinsville Bank—Troy; at Tri-Townshiup Park (Attn: Sandy Pensoneau), or to Field of Honor and Service, P.O. Box 262, Troy IL 62294.
