A group of Veterans in the Woodbrook Manufactured Home Park in Lakeland have been raising funds to complete a Veterans Memorial that will stand in the park and honor all Veterans and active duty military members from both the U.S. and Canada. The project was started by two resident Veterans several years ago but was not able to move forward until just last year. The originators have since passed on and sadly will not see their ideas come to life.
The current efforts led by Rick Galarneau a US Navy Submarine Vet and Robert Long a US Air Force Vet joined forces and picked up the project determined to see it through to completion. After redesigning the project, they began fundraising for the $20,000.00 memorial and to date have raised over $10,000.00. The project is underway with the concrete slab being poured the last week of September. The flag poles, flags, lighting, and black granite memorial stones have been ordered.
The expected completion date and dedication ceremony is scheduled for Veterans Day, November 11, 2023. Project coordinator Rick Galarneau states “This project is very close to all our Veteran’s hearts and we are very grateful to our residents, vendors, and the community for their support.” He added, “This will be one of the nicest Vets Memorial in any home park in Florida”. Fundraising efforts continue for the completion and maintenance that will be needed going forward. If you would like to donate to this great cause, please send a check or money order to Woodbrook Veterans Memorial Fund, 1510 Ariana St., Box 500, Lakeland FL. 33803