CARROLL COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK ASSOCIATION INC
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March 15, 2010
No one is prouder of the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park than I am. So much has been accomplished over the nine years I have been associated with the Park. During the early years when the first Wall of Honor was installed the contractors worked in mud wearing hip boots and a plastic sheet over the Wall for protection from the weather. From that early start, we now have 19 Walls and 864 Veterans names on those Wall's of Honor outlining a brief record of their service. If you are a Veterans, a friend of a Veteran, or a family member you are encouraged to place their names on the Wall of Honor. It is so important to recognize and honor our fellow Veterans. The progress is outstanding, lights for night viewing and sidewalks were a great asset in development making the Park handicap accessible. The paver bricks in the sidewalk was turned into 684 granite bricks with names on them. This is an on going project. This allows the community to participate in the development of the park by having their name in it. A large black granite POW/MIA logo wall was installed, one of the largest in any Veterans Park. Landscaping brought the Park into a beautiful view of flowers, shrubs, trees, roses and more. A local landscaper works hard to keep the Park looking great. The number of Veterans names on the wall of Honor is testimony of their appreciation, all 864 of them. The huge black granite sign by the highway identifies the Park for what it is. Four black granite Wall's set off the Park entrance. Two of these Wall's identifies Carroll County veterans who gave their lives in combat. A total of 340 KIA's are identified by the conflict in which they made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. Their families are proud of their service and appreciate the Park honoring them. Another black granite Wall identifies the six service logo's itched into the granite. And the another wall as the "Contributor Wall of Honor" in four categories: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Also an "In Kind contributor Wall". Without these peoples help we could not have this beautiful place to honor our Veterans. There is also a beautiful designed black granite water fountain with two water spouts. A pavilion was designed to match the rest of the park and installed with benches. Small groups hold meetings in this quite setting so they can also view the beauty of the Park. There are also black granite benches honoring Veterans scattered throughout the park. A directory at the entrance identifies the location of the Veteran on the Wall of Honor that is engraved into Georgia Cherokee Marble. Six service flags fly continuously at the Park entrance. With more forthcoming plans in development of this first class Veterans Memorial Park. I believe that no other Veterans Park in Georgia compares with this one. This is because of the many dedicated people who work together to see that our Veterans are honored for the freedom that we enjoy that they have provided for us. There are two events each year at the Veterans Park, Memorial Day and Veterans Day with somewhere between 500 and 700 people in attendance. I think this shows that the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park is well accepted and appreciated in Carroll County. Several other Veteran organizations have also used the park for their events. And, with the help of the Community we will continue to strive to honor our Veterans from the past, present and future. Norris A. Garrett, President
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Because I am a part of it.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Recognizing and honoring our veterans
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The most willing and hard working people that make you proud to be a part of the group.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
make this Veterans park one of the worlds biggest and best.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
March 14, 2010
My Grandparents grew up in Carroll County and my Mother spent many fond summers there. I have only been able to visit relatives at our annual family reunion. I visited the park for the first time last year and was elated to find such a great memorial so close to home. I have been to other Veterans memorial parks but this one is so personal and inviting. After many years of hearing World War II stories from my most beloved grandfather, who we lost in 1992, I felt closer to him than ever. I visited the park with my family, on my own, and then as part of a great celebration for Veteran's Day. Each time I visited the park had something different to offer me. Rememberance, solitude, and pride. I feel honored that I was allowed to contribute to a beautiful space to help commemorate two very special people in my life who took part in extraodinary times. Several close family members have also taken part in remebering their relatives at this great monument to Veterans and their sacrifices. Though my children will never get to sit on a knee and here about the good times and great struggles the way I did I believe bringing them to this park has helped them understand the great debt we all owe to our Veterans. They have been able to meet Veterans of many wars and speak with them about their experiences and fond memories. I think this park has made a huge impact on the community as a whole. It is a way of saying "Thank you" to all who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The Veterans of Carroll County and everywhere now know how we as a community value them and will never forget.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the commitment they have to the memories of all who have sacrificed for our great nation.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
kind and considerate to each and every Veteran who attended the celebration. Everyone was met with a small flag to fly and the knowledge that we had come together to support their work and effort.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
March 13, 2010
The first time I saw the Carroll County Veteran’s Memorial Park was only a few months after my son, Sgt. Paul Anthony Saylor, died in August of 2005 serving our country in Iraq. I was there because my son’s name was one of the first two to be added on the KIA wall for the Iraqi war. It was the first time I had seen his name in stone. Many feelings came over me as I touched his name engraved in the beautiful stone wall. Of course, sadness because I no longer had my son with me, but also a feeling of thankfulness that my son’s scarf ice for his country would never be forgotten. Because of this majestic wall that stands in a beautiful park, my son will be forever known as a hero (one of so many) that died serving his country. As a mom, it means so much knowing that my son will always be remembered even after I have long gone to see him in heaven. Every time I go for a ceremony, the park looks more beautiful than the time before. I am always proud to see how many people come to the different ceremonies, even in rain and very cold weather. I see the pride on the faces of everyone in attendance. There is reverence in the air as the National Anthem is sung and the prayers are read. To see the many veterans stand to be acknowledged, demonstrates the pride they carry for being true servants of our country. It is obvious that this park is one the veterans come to with great pride. This park is for them. Every time something new is added, it shows our veterans how much we love and appreciate them and their service. I see proud young and old faces of our military stand up to be acknowledged and am always so thankful to them. I often think about the people who took on the monumental job of seeing this park built from the very beginning. I have gone to the park several times by myself. Standing there looking at the park with no sounds around, just the wind is a very powerful moment. Knowing that because of the love, hard work and dedication of the people that still work to make this park what it is, the veterans that have passed, are retired and are proudly serving today, will never, never be forgotten. In our world today we need this type of park. Only when one reads the hundreds of names, does it sink in that the freedoms we enjoy today truly, truly are not free. There is a cost. My son paid the price, as did many other sons, daughters, fathers, brothers, and sisters. I want to extend my gratefulness to all that are involved with making this park a beautiful remembrance for all veterans.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
There so many wonderful people that have worked and continue to work so hard to make this park a place of great honor for our veterans. I have always been impressed with the dedication of all involved.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2005
March 12, 2010
I am a veteran of the Korean (Cold War) era -- Was "born and raised" in Carroll County - Was transferred to Chicago by my employer in 1968 and lived "up yonder" for 38 years. We returned to our ancestoral roots early in 2007. ---- My wife and I attended the Memoral Day services at this beautiful Park that Spring and was immediately drawn to support it. Just by driving past this Memorial it is evident that many dedicated Veterans have blelssed it with loving attention --- This is a Park that exudes reverance, appreciation, dedication and honor. This is a place where one can stand (or sit) in quiet contemplation of loved ones that have dedicated at part (or all) of their lives so that ALL of us can live in Freedom!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
meetings of the Board, meetings of the entire organization and at the two special events that is held on Memorial and Veteran's days
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
be certain that leaders are being developed to ascertain strength in the organizationl aspects.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The dedicated folks that are a part of it as well as knowing that this is very important "non profit" work
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
beyond helpful and especially dedicated indivduals
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Own the county
Ways to make it better...
I had lived here when it was conceived and could have been a part of the historical formation and development
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Not developing "burn out"
One thing I'd also say is that...
Every veteran in the county should have a plaque on the walls at this park and if this group has anything to do with it --- They WILL
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
March 6, 2010
THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VETERANS PARK I KNOW ABOUT AND I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL. I HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PARK FROM THE BEGINNING BUT ONLY AS A DEDICATED WORKER FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS BEFORE I MOVED TO FLORIDA IN 2006. SINCE THEN I MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO ATTEND THE MEMORIAL SERVICE IN MAY. I AM 87 YEARD OLD, A VETERAN OF WWII, KOREA AND VIETMAN, SO ATTENDENCE ISN'T ALWAYS EASY. THE PARK LENDS ITSELF TO THOUGHFUL REFLECTION BY REMINDING US ALL OF THE SACRIFICES MADE BY SO MANY, SOLDIERS ALL NO MATTER WHAT SERVICE AS WELL, FAMILIES [MOTHERS, FATHERS, SONS AND DAUGHTERS]. FREEDOM ISN'T FREE AND NEVER WILL BE. JOIN TOGETHER AND HONOR THESE PATRIOTS OF CARROLL COUNTY. JIM CRAWFORD
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
WORK AND PLANNING AND DEDICATION
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I DON'T KNOW ANY
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
IS THE DEVOTION OF THOSE FEW THAT REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
PLANT SEED ALL OVER THE COUNTRY
Ways to make it better...
IF I COULD HAVE RAISED MORE MONEY AND WORKED LONGER
One thing I'd also say is that...
THIS PARK IS A REAL JEWEL FOE CARROLL COUTY
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
March 5, 2010
I am Violette Denney and I am currently the treasurer for the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park Association, Inc. (CCVMP). In January 2003 I attended the CCVMP Committee meeting for the purpose of seeing “why it was taking so long to make progress at the park!” At that time I was very involved in several other groups and did not have much time to donate but I was told very frankly that the reason was “help.” The group, mostly veterans, said they needed help to organize and raise money. First I was asked to serve as membership chairman, so I contacted prospective members and created a directory for the veterans to use. Next I volunteered to organize some records and make working list in alphabetical and numerical order. This enabled them to know who was on the Wall of Honor and who they needed to contact. As time went on I set up a blog, web site, cleared up their problems with IRS/Form 990s. In 2006 I was asked to serve as treasurer, this required a change in their bylaws to allow a non-veteran to hold an executive office. This was a unanimous decision. (I am not a veteran but my husband was. He died in 2007.) My challenge to the committee was I would help them as long as we could show progress. With a lot of divine guidance we have been able to get a lot of other groups to help us, like the Carroll County Master Gardeners, Junior Women Club, boy and girl scout groups, ROTC groups, University of West Georgia Arboretum, city and county government, and others. We have made tremendous progress raising and spending over one-half million dollars, but there is so much more that we want to do. We want this to be the prettiest place in this area. We want it to be the one place that everyone wants to visit and honor our veterans because we know it is because of them that we are still a free nation. We also know that freedom is not free. We have two programs each year at the park – Memorial Day and Veterans Day – for the purpose of bringing people into the park. These are well attended and we have been given good feedback from everyone. Visit our blog http://carrollcountyveteransmemoialpark.blogspot.com and website http://carrollcountyveteransmemorialpark.com , you will see some of the progress – KIA Walls, 18 completed Walls of Honor (working on # 19), MIA/POW Wall, Emblem Wall, Contributor Wall (names of those who gave so we could build the park), Fountain, Pavilion, walkways, benches, etc. It is awesome to hear the veterans describe their pride in our park. It is an even greater feeling of satisfaction to hear families who have lost their loved one in war to express their appreciation for our park. I have heard many say that they felt like this was sacred ground when they walked through. The park is open and veterans and visitors are encouraged to visit any time. And, we do have lots of visitors. Now we need more help, we need to expand the park and make room for more Walls of Honor, more attractive features, and continuous landscaping work. It is extremely hard now to raise money because of lack of funds for education and health care. But we still know that without our veterans our freedom is in jeopardy! We need to continuously show our appreciation for our troops and veterans and encourage everyone to put their Trust In God. I am so involved with the Veterans Park that my name is almost synonymous with the park as it is with DAR, quilters, and First Christian Church. Besides all the above our park is the only one in this area dedicated to our troops and veterans. Thank you for the privilege to tell my story!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
b
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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