DeGlopper Memorial Expansion Committee thanks community for holiday support

On behalf of the DeGlopper Memorial Expansion Committee, I am writing to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Rotary Club of Grand Island for coordinating the effort to place Christmas wreaths at each of the KIA stands at the DeGlopper Memorial site on Dec. 2. The kindness and generosity of these volunteers make a difference.

A special thanks to Diane and John Garey, club president Sherry Miller, Donna Wilde and Faye Teluk, who bought and set up the wreaths. Also, to Jude Kuehne, who created the decorative ribbons for each wreath. The unsolicited efforts of these volunteers are a gesture of respect and honor, and a touching tribute to those brave soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

The volunteers showed a remarkable spirit of patriotism and community service as we began the holiday season. Their dedication and compassion move us.

Additionally, the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of President Eric Fiebelkorn, coordinated the effort to light up the site by providing the time, effort and financial support needed to string up Christmas lights on the evergreens.

We encourage the community to visit the site, at 2333 Grand Island Blvd., and take a moment to reflect on the values and ideals that our veterans fought for.

We also want to remind you that granite stones, pavers and memorial wall inscriptions make great Christmas gifts for the special people in your life who have served. Any granite stone, paver or memorial wall inscription purchased by Feb. 28, 2024, will be installed by the following Memorial Day – barring anything unforeseen. Pavers and granite stones allow a tasteful, personal message inscription expressing gratitude for those who serve. They allow more detailed information honoring a loved one than what is allowable on the memorial wall.

These memorials are priced for various budgets as follows:

√ 12-inch-by-12-inch granite stone, $1,000

√ 8-inch-by-8-inch paver, $375 

√ 4-inch-by-8-inch paver, $150

Grand Island residents who have served may also have their names inscribed on the veterans memorial wall. The cost is $100 and requires proof of honorable service (DD214) and evidence of past or present residency on Grand Island.

Forms for pavers or names placed on the memorial wall are available at the following: DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249, 2121 Grand Island Blvd.; and on the website degloppermemorial.org. Click clicking these respective tabs:

√ "Pavers"

√ "Memorial Wall"

Elsie Martino

Secretary

DeGlopper Memorial Expansion Committee

DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249

2121 Grand Island Blvd.