Veterans of WWI recognized quickly what their civilian counterparts were blissfully unaware of: the sacrifice made as a member of the military. It is more than their lives they are potentially forfeiting; veterans have also given up time, mental health, personal relationships, quality of life, and many other factors.

When WWI veterans created the American Legion, a veteran advocacy organization, they allocated resources to the betterment of their brothers and sisters in arms. Now, in many small towns across the country, there may be an American Legion-a post in the community dedicated to the veterans, past and present, of that community.

The Dumont Legion Post 360 has decided that they must go above and beyond in honoring deceased Legion members and veterans of the area: they are constructing a military memorial. Building the memorial in the vacant lot that adjoins the Legion building in Dumont will be beautifying Main Street while simultaneously honoring the community’s veterans.

Recognition of veterans at this memorial will be taken one step further as well. Surfaced with paver bricks, the ground level will have individual names of current and deceased members of the legions, as well as the names of veterans in the Dumont area. This personal touch, this emphasizing and recognition of the soul, will surely be the most moving part of all.

While honoring veterans is the primary purpose, there are other advantages in the memorial. Legion members are optimistic that the memorial can serve as an educational center about the American military; mission statements from each branch will be shown to visitors.

The project itself is predicted to cost $80,000. Currently, they have raised about ¼ of the needed funds. First Security recently announced a contribution of $5,000. Other fundraising efforts include local sponsorships, donations, and grants.

First Security employee Katie Menken in Dumont says, “What a wonderful way to honor our local veterans. I’m excited to see the finished project because I’ll get to look at the beautiful memorial every day!”

First Security is proud to honor veterans in our communities.