World War II monument planned for Florence Veterans Park

FLORENCE — A group of Florence veterans gathered Monday to announce a fundraising campaign for a monument at the Florence Veteran’s Park.

The monument will honor World War II veterans, and comes with a $30,000 price tag.

In an effort to raise funds for the monument, the group of veterans is turning to the public for help.

Air Force veteran Rocky Gannon has fought in several wars, including World War II, and said veterans of that war need recognition now because the number of survivors is declining every day.

“Because the loss of about 1,200, 1,300 a day of the World War II people ... I thought before the last of us are gone, it would be nice to see a monument,” he said. “We have them for Vietnam, some for Korea, but we don’t have any here locally for World War II.”

Gannon’s family has started the fundraising efforts with a $100 check, and they’re hoping the rest of the public will join in to help support the cause.

World War II veteran David C. Phillips said he hopes residents will notice the need for the monument and will do anything they can to help establish it.

“We have some prospects of major contributors to make up the $30,000, but we invite everyone to participate who feels so moved,” he said.

The design of the monument will have two vertical wings which project toward the sky, and will feature a torch, which symbolizes American freedom and democracy. The monument also will have a cluster of stars, including the North Star, which helped guide pilots returning to England from Germany during World War II. The proposed height of the monument is between 8 and 10 feet, and the proposed width is between 7 and 8 feet. The proposed material is premium black and velvet gray granite.

Those organizing the fundraising efforts said there is no definite timetable as to when the monument would be constructed, because it would depend on the success of fundraising efforts.

An additional 144 veterans’ names on the Wall of Honor at the park were unveiled Sunday, Flag Day.

A monument by Darlington Monument Works recognizing prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action was dedicated March 7, presented by Rolling Thunder, Chapter 4, of Florence. Rolling Thunder is a national group whose mission is to publicize POW-MIA issues.

Florence Veterans Park located adjacent to Florence Civic Center’s lower level parking lot at 3300 Radio Road, Florence. It was dedicated Veterans Day, Nov. 11. It features a bronzed eagle sculpture atop three 24-foot-tall pillars and a Wall of Honor displaying veterans’ names.

Those who would like to make a contribution to the World War II memorial at the park can mail donations to Brown Memorials, c/o David Phillips, 2423 David McLeod Blvd., Florence, SC 29501 or call Phillips at (843) 992-4382.

Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and all contributors will be listed and recognized in the dedication program. Contributors also will receive a special certificate of appreciation, and major contributors will be listed on a granite plaque placed at the base of the monument.