SAN BENITO — With benches and bricks engraved with the names of the men and women who served, the city’s war memorial is nearly complete.
It’s just missing one thing.
The veteran’s board is looking to add five, black granite markers to the San Benito Veterans War Memorial on East Rowson Street.
Efforts are being made to raise the $75,000 needed to add monuments dedicated to the men and women who were killed or missing in action.
One of the fundraisers is a pledge drive for $5,000 toward the purchase of the markers that will be engraved with the names of those who were killed or MIA.
Pledges will have their names engraved on a plaque at the base of the markers.
“We feel the memorial will not be completed until this is done,” said Charlie Wilson, vice chairman of the board.
The second effort will be adding to the San Benito Police Department’s veteran reserved parking sign initiative.
This started a month ago and designates convenient parking spaces around the city to those who served in the armed forces.
The board met with the police chief to get help finding spots around the city.
Unlike the police department’s version, these parking plaques have the option to be personalized with dedications and messages from those who donated.
Those who buy one can also place them on their own private property.
Reserved parking signs can be bought for $100.
The funds will be specifically used for the granite markers, the engraving and the installation of the monuments.
“This solemn Memorial is dedicated to those fallen men and women from our area who served in each of our major wartime actions for our country over the decades,” Victor Garza, chairman of the board, said on the city’s website.
The board is also continuing its Buy-A-Brick and Buy-A-Bench fundraiser in efforts to raise the rest of the money.
Sponsorship forms can be found on the city’s website and Facebook page.
Granite marker: $5,000
Reserved parking sign: $100
Buy-a-brick:
$100
Buy-a-bench:
$2,500
