Veterans’ memorial shaping up

The world is taking shape in Silverdale — or at least a part of it — as construction of a veterans’ memorial at Waterfront Park reached a benchmark on Saturday morning.

Through the efforts of the Rotary Club of Silverdale Sunrise and the Kitsap Home Builders Association, along with 26 local companies who have donated materials and services, a concrete retaining wall which anchors the entire project is in place.

“This wall is the keystone of the whole place,” volunteer Mike Brown said, “now we can get started on the flat work.”

The flat work includes grading the site located north of the park’s gazebo and construction of drainage, seating, flagpoles, easy beach access and the centerpiece, a raised relief of the world.

Brown said the volunteers are at a point now where “multiple things can go on,” to expedite the construction pace. “You’re going to see it keep progressing,” he added.

This is the only memorial in Kitsap County that will honor all service branches including the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

With so many retired and active military members living in the area, Rotary Club member Bill Wright said “people are excited to help with donations to honor those who have served.”

Wright said there is still a need for donations to complete the project as well as maintain it when it’s done.

“We want to establish a maintenance fund as to not burden the county,” he said, adding that donation forms are available at the project’s Web site, www.kcvm.org.

There was a sense of accomplishment among the volunteers as they look toward the future.

“We don’t have a date set (for a dedication ceremony), but now that the wall is in we can schedule one,” Wright said.

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