Editor:

Since June 14, 1775 when the Continental Congress passed legislation to form the Colonial Army to defend the rights of the Colonies against England, we have honored veterans who have served our country in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and the Coast Guard. For the past 241 years, men and women have continued to serve our nation in peace and in conflict assuring that our freedom declared in 1776 would be assured year in and year out.

Our City of Edmonds has not had a place to honor those who have served. Thanks to VFW Post 8870, American Legion Post 66 and several individuals — Ron Clyborne, Jim Blossey, Maria Montalvo, Bob Wilcox, Jim Traner, Mike Echelbarger and Tom Mesaros (plus many others) — Edmonds will finally have a place to honor, and remember, our veterans. Partnering with the City of Edmonds, the new plaza will be located on 5^th and Bell, right in front of the City Council Chambers Building, and will forever provide a place of honor, peace and reverence to honor those who have served our country.

The city has been very supportive and Carrie Hite, Director of Parks and Recreation, has served with the organizing committee to coordinate the design within the city’s codes and other parameters.

The fundraising goal to build the new plaza is $420,000. To date the organizing committee has raised $320,000 and there is $100,000 yet to raise. The Hazel Miller Foundation was an early donor, committing $180,000 toward this project during the fall of 2015, and the committee is very grateful for this support. The time has come for the fundraising effort to go public and now all Edmonds citizens are invited to contribute toward this campaign to raise the last $100,000.

Please consider a contribution of $50, $100, $250 or more so that the project can be completed. You can send your contribution to Edmonds Veterans Plaza, c/o Edmonds VFW Post 8870, P.O. Box 701, Edmonds, WA 98020 (make checks payable to Edmonds Veterans Plaza); or go online to https://edmondsveteransplaza.com. There are several recognition opportunities for contributions, as follows:

• Pavers to honor a veteran – $500 minimum donation
• Bench plaques to honor a veteran – $1,500 minimum donation
• Seating cubes to honor a veteran – $2,500 per side

The committee anticipates that fundraising will be completed by the end of May, with construction beginning in June. If all goes as planned, the new plaza will be dedicated on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2016.

The financial support of all of our citizens is important, so please send your contribution now.

— Tom Mesaros and Mike Echelbarger, co-chairs of the Fundraising Committee