It’s been more than seven years of hard work, perseverance and numerous changes as the Farmington Area Veterans Memorial Committee made a memorial worthy of those who have given so much to keep the United States safe. The idea was first championed by World War II veteran Howard Miller, but Leon Orr, now chairperson of the committee, has been the driving force behind the memorial for the last several years. He said a veterans memorial has been talked about since as far back as the 1940s, but a ground-breaking ceremony was held two years ago in July 2012. As Farmington area residents packed the stands around the memorial in Rambling River Park to celebrate the completion of its first phase, Orr gave a speech  and received a standing ovation during the ceremony.

“One thing this committee never did,” Orr said. “From the beginning with Howard to the dedication, the committee never thought about quitting.”

For this project, Picture This On Granite built and engraved a triangular piece that was installed on top of the memorial. The six stars were sandblasted on PG Certified® Dark Blue Pearl Granite imported from Norway creating an outstanding and unique memorial.

Although all that is visible today has been paid for with donations and grants, the committee is still fundraising for the last phase of the memorial, a life-size bronze soldier in modern day dress saluting the tablet of those who died in past wars. The hope is that it will be installed by Memorial Day 2015. Annually, new pavers honoring Farmington veterans and purchased by donors will be installed.

With the dedication of the Farmington Area Veterans Memorial on September 7, 2014, community and families promised to never forget veterans, both living and dead.

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