LA FERIA — Some day in the coming months, the city will have a monument to honor those who have given their lives for freedom.
On Monday, Ignacio Galvez played “Taps” at the groundbreaking ceremony for the city of La Feria’s Veterans Memorial.
“We had the memorial site dedication and it was a good turnout and unique ceremony and the community is coming together,” said Sunny Philip, La Feria city manager. “We are hoping to have the monument complete within the next few months.”
The monument will stand as a memorial to the men and women who served in the Untied States military to honor the veterans who gave their lives in service to country.
“It was a touching ceremony,” said Mario M. Prado, a U.S. Marine and retired La Feria fire chief.
Prado, who was in attendance at the groundbreaking, was a corporal in the first Marine Division 2nd Battalion supporting the 11th Marines in the 1970s.
The community has the opportunity to purchase pavers to memorialize the military service of veterans that will be placed throughout the area in front of the monument.
A message on the pavers may include the name, rank, branch, years of service, and conflict.
“The city is looking forward to working with the Veterans Memorial Committee and to have the monument in town,” Philip said.
In February, the La Feria Veterans Committee presented a check for $10,555 to the City Commission and asked the city to take over the Veterans Memorial project. And the city accepted.
The city has designated the spot for the memorial near the city signage on Business 83 and Main Street.
The Veterans Committee worked together selling tickets, taking donations and selling food plates over the years.
“We can’t wait to get the memorial going,” said Julian Guevara, Jr., city commissioner. “It will be a nice day for La Feria when it’s complete.”
