Lake Nona is the future site of a Veterans Memorial Park. The memorial will be next to the Orlando Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. The site is not ready for construction, however, as there is still money to be raised to make the park a reality.
The Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation has been attempting to construct this memorial for 5 years.
Once completed, it will be the region's "largest veterans memorial." The memorial was to cost $1.5 million and was supposed to start construction last November for a Memorial Day opening. Raising the necessary money became too much of a hurdle, however, to make that deadline.
The board in charge of the project initially was comprised solely of volunteers. A professional fundraiser has been brought in, which should make raising the money more of a realistic goal. Of the $1 million needed to break ground, approximately $400,000 has been raised.
Construction is now slated to begin next January with an October 2012 completion date. In the interest of costs, the eternal flame was replaced with a waterfall.
The memorial will hold the names of more than 3,000 Central Floridian soldiers who have fallen since World War I, not just those who have fallen in combat. The memorial is going to exist on lake front property and will include other features such as an amphitheater in hopes of attracting community events to the park.
The Foundation is attempting to raise another $1.5 million for upkeep to the memorial bringing the total price tag to $3 million. Like other memorials, it is hoped this memorial will bring some serenity and peace to local veterans.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.
Category: Veterans' Disability
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Soldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.