St. John Memorial to Honor Veterans
Image of a proposed veterans memorial in the town of St. John. (courtesy: The Times of Northwest Indiana)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe founder of a Lake County nonprofit that helps local military veterans in need is now focused on creating a permanent memorial to honor fallen Hoosiers who served in the armed forces.
Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report Johnny Boersma, founder and president of Mission One, is on a quest to create a memorial at Veterans Civic Park in the town of St. John.
The St. John Veterans Memorial would include three, 8-foot tall granite walls engraved with the names of fallen war heroes from every conflict since World War I.
The publication says the plans also call for an eternal flame and two statues — one for police officers and another for firemen — to pay tribute to members of law enforcement who died in the line of duty and honor those who have served in St. John.
“There’s a lot of veterans that like to go out there, sit and just reflect,” said Boersma. “That’s the big point of the eternal flame. … The flame never goes out, and so we will never forget. I’m extremely excited that the reality’s here, finally.”
Boersma said he hopes to see the project break ground in spring 2021 and be complete within two years.
When all is said and done, Boersma estimates the memorial will cost $1 million to $2 million.
Fundraising has yet to begin, but the publication says the Town Council has previously expressed support for the project and earmarked $15,000 toward the memorial.
Boersma noted while Mission One is sponsoring the memorial, all donations will be processed separately in the name of the St. John Veterans Memorial.