On Thursday, members of the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department helped prepare for that unveiling.
The memorials will honor veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars, said Glenn Moseley, who has thus far raised $6,400 for the effort and is still trying to raise an additional $6,600 to pay off the two memorials.
(For more information about the Korean and Vietnam memorials contact Moseley at 252-326-1056. To make a donation send a check in any amount to AMVETS Post 320 Memorial Fund, PO Box 485, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870. For more information about the Roanoke Rapids Fireman's Club contact the fire department at 252-533-2880)
Moseley, a Vietnam Army veteran who served one tour, said the memorials are a way to remember those who served in two of the country's most misunderstood conflicts.
“It means we left a lot of people behind, people who didn't get to come home,” Moseley said. “It means a whole lot to me. We lost so many people. It's all about freedom and the people who lost their lives over there.”
Moseley said he is pleased with the cooperation he has received from the city.
The two memorials will look like this.
That firefighters were out Thursday cleaning and trimming shrubbery, “I'm tickled to death,” he said.
Fire department Battalion Chief Kevin Hawkins said the department's efforts are part of their regular responsibilities, which include upkeep of Veterans Park and Centennial Park.
Working in anticipation of the May 30 memorial unveiling, which will be at 5 p.m., has deeper significance than the routine maintenance work they do, Hawkins said. “This park was put here to honor the veterans who served to protect us and ensure our freedom. We want the park to look good for those who worked for us to have our freedom.”
Hawkins said the long-term goal is to work through the Roanoke Rapids Fireman's Club to do a complete overhaul of Veterans Park with new landscaping and new plants. They would like to have it done by the memorial unveiling ceremony. If not they will aim for the fall.
They will be doing the work with the help of professional landscaper John Pittman, who will oversee the job and give them advice.
“We've always maintained this park since I've been here,” Hawkins said. “It's about having pride in your community. We serve the community through our jobs and we like to serve by doing projects like this. That's why we have the fireman's club to help the community.”
