Lebanon — Following years of controversy, the Boone County Veterans Memorial was approved and built in Lebanon Memorial Park, dedicated on Veterans Day Nov. 11.
But it was an uphill climb for proponents of the memorial. The Lebanon Parks and Recreation board of trustees narrowly approved the memorial 3-to-2 at their June meeting. Some board members cited an irresponsible use of green space as the reason for their opposition.
Parks Superintendent John Messenger said he was comfortable with the plan presented, with the VFW and American Legion responsible for upkeep and liability of the 60-foot-wide memorial, as long as they kept their promises.
Work began on the memorial in early August and it was dedicated Nov. 11 in a ceremony that hundreds of community members attended.
“This means quite a lot,” said 87-year-old Esther Mott, whose late husband Alexis was a prisoner of war in Japan during World War II, at the dedication. “I’m so glad they’ve done this. I only wish (Alexis) was here to see it, too.”
Plans for the memorial seemed to have completely stalled in 2008, after three years of planning, personality conflicts and growing controversy.
The park board voted in 2008 not to build the memorial in the park, citing concerns about maintenance and security, but veterans’ groups held tight, saying a monument honoring soldiers and sailors from Boone County belonged there.
The move to build the memorial began in 2005. More than $105,000 was raised for the project, and excavation of a site in the park began in August 2007. Then-Mayor Jim Acton ordered the work stopped and, shortly after, then-parks and recreation director Roger Neal was fired.
Local News
Year in Review No. 2: Veteran's memorial built in Lebanon
- Local News
-
-
Measles outbreak may include Boone
Two Boone County residents appear to have measles, while two Hamilton County residents — including at least one who visited the Super Bowl Village in Indianapolis on a day it was attended by about 200,000 people — have been confirmed as having the disease.
-
Skillman brings tour to county
Elected officials in Boone County are being proactive in “trying to address issues they know are coming down the road,” Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said after meeting representatives of nine local governments.
-
County council field expands to 6
An incumbent at-large member of the Boone County Council will seek election to the board, while a sixth candidate has joined the field for the Republican Party’s nomination for the three at-large seats.
-
Stocking Up
The store is still hiring. “We are very excited to come to town,” said General Manager Jon Keller.
-
Communities evaluate success in bowl roles
While the world was focused on downtown Indianapolis in the days leading up to Super Bowl XLVI, many outlying communities — including Lebanon and Zionsville — were also playing a role, taking care of visitors, working at the event or taking in the celebration leading up to the big game.
-
Thomas takes reins of learning network
The Boone County Learning Network is looking in a new direction with a new executive director, Michele Thomas.
-
Lebanon High School graduate turns Naptown Roller Girl
Indianapolis, sometimes called “Naptown,” is known for its NFL football team, Motor Speedway, and — on a good day — its basketball team.
-
Deputy-involved accidents down over last 5 years
Accidents involving Boone County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been falling steadily since 2008, insurance agent Dan Lamar told the county commissioners Monday.
-
Zbowl winterfest
-
Referrals help food support group grow
Interest and participation in a food support group begun in November at The Caring Center in Lebanon has been boosted by referrals from other agencies.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Measles outbreak may include Boone
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
