“I think it’s good we recognize the efforts of our veterans and the sacrifices they have made in defense of our country,” he said.

The monument is the idea of Toni Outland who has begun a fundraising effort to place the memorial in Veterans Park off Roanoke Avenue.

“Part of my bucket list when I retired was I wanted to do something special for the military,” she told council.

Cost of the monument is $12,000 and one of the efforts to raise that money is a bag lunch sale on November 16 at Builders First Source from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost of the meal is $8 and consists of two barbecue sandwiches, chips and a drink. For more information contact Outland at 252-678-6886.

She came to council only to ask for permission to place a monument at the park once the funds are raised.

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have been deployed from the National Guard Armory in Roanoke Rapids, she said. “Some have gone over there more than once. Some have gone many times.”

Outland said the proposed monument is “very much in line with what is what is there. I think what I have proposed would bring honor to the soldiers and is something the city would proud of.”

Scherer told Outland the city would start looking for a specific site in the park for the monument.

Outland said afterward the monuments already at the park “are absolutely beautiful.”

Through her job at Texas Steakhouse, she said, “I’ve waited on enough soldiers. They’re not expecting anything but we need to honor them and show them how much we appreciate their sacrifice.”