Middle East War monument

The first steps to honor veterans who served in the Middle East Wars have been taken by members of the JE Manning American Legion Post 258 and other veterans.

A central white granite spire of honor is now placed at the VFW memorial in downtown Atlanta. At the foot of the spire is an inscribed headstone, black with white writing.

“The progress from concept to reality for this project has been marvelous,” said Legionnaire Mike Lee. “We want the veteran who served in the Middle East Wars — a period of 31 years — to say, ‘I was there. I was involved. I can tell my personal story and be proud I served.’” The plaza memorial currently recognizes those who served through War World II.

“Veterans who served in the Middle East Wars weren’t as well treated on their return home. Our idea is to recognize them,” Lee said.

And so plans were begun more than two years ago. Ideas were put on paper, and the post began raising funds. When these ideas were taken to the stone company, Texas Custom Stoneworks of Winnsboro, Texas, the concept soared.

“I never dreamed it would be like this. It so fits the whole plaza memorial,” Lee said.

The Middle East design is a central spire with the concept words of honor, service, duty and freedom inscribed on its sides. The first accompanying headstone tells of the period of the Middle East Wars as being from August 30, 1990, to August 30, 2021. Three more headstones will join the present one and will have writings of the Middle East war campaigns such as Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

A legion memorial committee is currently working on the wording of these issues.

The local legion chapter still has money to raise, with the project having required upwards of $35,000. For this reason, post members will be seen at many fund raising events. But Lee said the post has enough funds for the next black headstone.

“We’re determining what needs to be said on each of the stones. We have funds to order the next stone. I’m waiting just to get the exact language that’s wanted.”

Lee continued by expressing another purpose behind the expanded monument.

“We still have space in this park. It’s space that will allow for another memorial if and when another war comes upon us. We want our youth of today to pick up the mantle and do the same thing that was done for us. And be honored for doing so.”

Much of what has been accomplished has already been done so through donations, Lee said.

“This project will continue even if it takes us five to seven years.”