Donations sought to honor veterans

Donations sought to honor veterans

Men and women who worked to ensure freedom, whether protecting this nation in the military or keeping us safe at home in law enforcement, are being honored.

Veterans from organizations across Horry County in Florida gathered at the old courthouse Friday to break ground for a new monument to all veterans, past, present and future.

Bob Fogner is chairman of the Horry County Veterans Memorial Committee. An inscription on one portion of the monument reads, “In memory and honor of all Horry County men and women who served in the Armed Forces of our country.” Across the bottom, it reads, “In grateful tribute to the living and the dead.”

Ground was broken by County Council Chairwoman Liz Gilland; council member John Boyd; Conway mayor Greg Martin; veterans Laurie Newton and Fogner; and Marilyn Squires, the wife of veteran Charles Squires and a committee member. Other committee members are Vice-chairman Joe Todd, Secretary/Treasurer Harry Rabon, Charles Squires, Tony Atkins, Jimmy Butler, Jim Helms, Lynn Helms, Newton, Walton Singleton, Rich Riley and George Wilhoit.

A total of $20,000 is needed for the monument, and the group has more than half that amount. At the ceremony, retired Lt. Gen. James Vaught said he would match dollar for dollar any money given after they reach $15,000.Police memorial

The Fraternal Order of Police Coastal Lodge 12 is sponsoring an effort to erect a monument to police officers who have fallen in the line of duty in Horry County. Horry County Police officers Maj. David Avant, Sgt. Bob Carr and Sgt. Andy Christenson are working on the project. Avant said names of nine officers who lost their lives in the line of duty will be inscribed, and any officer, federal, state or local, who loses his or her life in Horry County in the future will be inscribed.

The 10-by-8-foot monument will be erected near the atrium of the Horry County Government and Justice Center in Conway. A business, individual, organization or family can have their name engraved on a brick in front of the memorial for $100. Large corporate sponsors pay $1,000.

Avant said they are planning to have a fun day to show appreciation for support of the police with pony rides, games and food. Plans are to put up a temporary fence, mark it in squares, put a cow inside it and play Cow Bingo. Squares are being sold for $25. When the cow drops a cow patty, the person who has purchased that square will win $2,000. If it drops on two squares, the winners will split the money.

All money will be used for the memorial.