Independence Day is celebrated with parades, picnics, games, and fireworks. It’s a fun-filled holiday honoring America’s birthday. This year, the patriotic occasion will also be used to dedicate the Veterans Commemorative Plaza currently under construction in Marley Park. Upon completion, the resident-inspired project will honor neighbors in our community who have served or are currently serving to protect the principles of freedom on which our great nation was founded.

The dedication ceremony begins at 9:15 a.m. with a welcome from VCP Committee Chair Richard Olea Perry followed by the posting of colors and National Anthem. Marley Park Director of Community Life Todd Hornback will introduce special guests invited to preside over the dedication. The ceremony will include a proclamation reading, ribbon cutting, and recognition of sponsors and supporters who have made the VCP possible. Afterwards, guests are invited to meet back at the Marley Park Heritage Club for a pancake breakfast hosted by the Boy Scouts.

The design of the Veterans Commemorative Plaza has much significance. The center of the design is a 30-foot flagpole with a pentagonal base representing the five branches of the US military. The military emblems are based upon the Department of Defense prescribed precedence order: US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, and the US Coast Guard.

The brick pavers, which form a Circle of Honor, will be inscribed with the names of U.S. servicemen and women, symbolizing the support for the flagpole. The circle represents an unbreakable boarder. The pavers are red, the pentagonal base is white and the sky is blue to represent the colors of the American flag.

For more information about the project or to purchase a paver, go to www.marleypark.net and select the Veterans Commemorative Plaza link under the Quicklinks section on the bottom right side of the page.