After critical structural repairs to stabilize shifting granite, the Greenwood County All Veterans Memorial Wall has been fully restored, ensuring the tribute remains standing strong over two decades after its official dedication on Nov. 11, 2005.
The major restoration effort became necessary because the wall's foundation was compromised; specifically, the base sections were moving under the wall pieces, causing the granite sections themselves to separate and shift away from the internal midsection supports. This structural instability jeopardized the longevity of the county’s principal veterans memorial.
Repairs were completed in late October. The time-intensive process involved separating each large granite section from its adjoining pieces, meticulously removing all the old setting compound, and then drilling new, precise holes. Finally, stabilizing pins were set to securely anchor the wall sections to both the base and the interwall supports, resolving the structural movement issues that had developed over time.
Following the structural work, the restoration effort focused on the visual elements and was finalized on Dec. 4 with the comprehensive repainting of all veteran names. The original coloring on the granite had nearly disappeared, but every name has now been restored in a black paint. Those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country are distinctly highlighted in red. Additionally, the central features, the Eagle and Flag carving, and the Branch Seals, were all professionally restored to their original vibrancy.
Recognized As Community Members Of The Month
Last Saturday, Dec. 6, five community members were recognized as “Community Members of the Month,” prior to the annual Christmas parade.
During the presentation, committee member Robin Wunderlich shared, “The Community Member of the Month award began a few years ago to recognize recent positive efforts by community members.
“We hope that our community continues to focus on the positive, pay it forward and simply support each other along the way.
“This year, the committee has struggled to nominate due to a variety of reasons (including lack of nominations, increase of negativity and simply hurdles life has thrown our direction).
“But, regardless this group is focused on seeing the good and not giving up. For that reason, we got together last month and selected four recipients for the monthly honor.”
The committee then presented Larry and Jo Evans, DeLacy Mitchell and Christine Mouer with a certificate and giftcard to Lo-Mar Drive-In.
L. and J. Evans were nominated for their part in the Neal Evangelical Free Church Thanksgiving Blessing Boxes.
Mitchell was nominated for her continuous
support for others and her willingness to hold fundraisers on their behalf.
Mouer was nominated for her amazing nursing skills and her willingness to help others any way she can.
Michele Seeley was also recognized but unable to attend the special presentation. She was nominated for her hard work and dedication with the 100th Anniversary of the Cattlemen’s Association.
These recipients will now join Connie Mitchell and Laura Wallace for the Community Member of the Year award. Ballots will be available later this month.
How To Nominate
To nominate a “Community Member of the Month” simply send a letter with your name, the person’s name you are nominating and why you are nominating them for the honor. (Those wishing to remain anonymous can do so; but, the committee asks that your name and contact information be included in case committee members need additional information.) Letters should be sent to The Eureka Herald, PO Box 590, Eureka, KS 67045 or emailed to Robin Wunderlich at [email protected]. Forms are also available at The Eureka Herald, LoMar Drive-in and the City of Eureka water office.
The committee is asking that nominations be submitted prior to the 15th day of the month. Committee members will then review the nominations and select the recipient. To learn how you can participate, contact Wunderlich at 620-750-0714.
