Viet Nam Memorial Poker Run

Description

More than 35 years after the United States pulled out of Vietnam, Hillsborough County is slated to get its first memorial to the locals who fought and died there. Helicopters and bamboo, brick pavers and marble slabs will be incorporated into the 6,000 square-foot Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, all centered around a marble wall that will bear the names of the fallen. Once the memorial is completed, a lighted Cobra helicopter will perch alongside the water at Veterans Memorial Park, visible to night traffic along U.S. 301 North. To get it done, though, businesses and individuals will have to step up with money and supplies. Hillsborough County has allotted $2.5 million from the Community Investment Tax and property tax revenue to renovate the park. But individual committees are working to raise money for the memorial. A small committee of Vietnam veterans and supporters hopes to have the memorial open to the public by Nov. 11, 2011. First, committee members have to round up companies willing to donate construction supplies and labor worth about $200,000. There is also a brick paver campaign under way that allows members of the public to remember their loved ones, whether or not they are veterans, or to name themselves as donors. The engraved pavers are $50 and $100 each, depending on size. Shiny black marble tiles sell for $500 each and can be etched with a picture, rank and years of service for veterans. To learn more about the paver program or how to get involved, visit our web site http://www.rollingthunderfl11.com or www.hcmemorials.com .