Veterans and First Responders Memorial at Fairfield Glade

 

For Immediate Release

 

July 17, 2024

 

Today at the Veterans and First Responders Memorial Town Hall Meeting in Fairfield Glade, Phil Smith, the President of the Memorial’s Board of Directors announced that this nonprofit organization will be the recipient of a $250,000 state grant from the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services to assist with the completion of the Memorial. Smith was recently informed of this pending award by Cameron Sexton, the Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives whose 25th District includes Fairfield Glade.

 

Smith said that “Speaker Sexton has been a supporter of the Memorial from the very beginning and was instrumental in securing the needed funds to make this grant possible”. He also said that “Speaker Sexton was able to secure the support of Governor Bill Lee and was assisted by State Senator Paul Bailey in this effort.”

 

The funds will be used primarily for the second phase of the Memorial which will include a pavilion and various types of display features focused on remembering significant historical events. Construction on this phase of the Memorial will start early next year once the Flag Plaza is completed. The Flag Plaza will display all the military service flags, flags representing first responders and the American flag, along with the Tennessee and Cumberland County flags. This part of the memorial will focus on individuals’ service and will display engraved pavers with the names of veterans and first responders.

 

This grant will not only allow us to complete the memorial much quicker, but it will also help assure that when completed it will be a source of pride for Cumberland County as we recognize the critical service and contributions that our veterans and first responders have made to our nation, states, and communities.

 

For more information and to view the latest concept pictures, please visit our website at: www.vfrmemorial.com

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May 2024 Update

 

Greetings,

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You probably noticed the construction equipment and activity at the Robin Hood Park site of the Veterans and First Responders Memorial at Fairfiled Glade. However, this activity clearly has not been enough for us to reach the goal of being able to dedicate the completed project by Memorial Day.

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Earlier this year the members of the Veterans and First Responders Memorial Board of Directors were feeling quite ambitious that it could be done. However, we encountered two issues causing us to delay its completion and dedication. First was the need to make revisions in the actual site location of the Flag Plaza requiring a new site survey per the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. We also had to make sure that we were able to meet adequate depth requirements for the existing sewer line and the planned conduits for electrical and irrigation systems. Secondly, once this was done and we were ready to proceed, we encountered numerous weather delays. 

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As disappointing as this has been, we were able to use the time to work with our architect and contractor to make design changes in the planned display of the engraved pavers, add some new features to the Memorial, and firm up the needed financial and contractor support allowing us to finish this phase of the Memorial. We are now confident that the Memorial will be even more meaningful than originally planned.

During the coming few weeks, we will be revising the construction schedule and developing the initial plans for the second phase of the project, referred to as the Memorial Garden. One goal is to host a town hall meeting in Fairfield Glade where we can share more details about the status of the Memorial and what our community can expect in the coming summer months.

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For those who have purchased engraved pavers, they have been delivered and are stored in a secure facility, awaiting installation. If you are interested in making a purchase you can do so by visiting our website at: www.vfrmemorial.com. Bricks ordered by June 1, 2024 will be installed with the initial pavers this summer. And as always, we appreciate donations to support the construction of the Memorial.

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Thank you for your support and interest. While we regret the delay, we remain excited about the Memorial and believe it will be a great addition to our community.

 

Phil Smith, President

Board of Directors

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Veterans and First Responders Memorial at Fairfield Glade

Status Report and Press Release

 

Happy New Year from the Board of Directors for the Veterans and First Responders Memorial at Fairfield Glade!

 

As we look back on 2023, we are grateful for the many things we were able to accomplish on behalf of the Memorial, including raising financial support and preparing for the construction of the Flag Plaza. While we have had some delays in our plans for construction due to higher costs and labor supply issues, we were able to close the year with the selection of a skilled general contractor who will soon start installing the foundation for the flags and the engraved pavers. Residents and visitors will soon see activity at Robin Hood Park as this work continues.

 

Looking ahead to 2024, we plan to dedicate the Flag Plaza on Memorial Day. Weather permitting, we should complete the foundations, walkways and lighting placement this spring. Thirteen flag poles will be installed displaying the military, first responder, American, POW-MIA, Tennessee and local government flags. Most importantly, we will install the over 400 purchased engraved pavers. Work will continue on the Flag Plaza after that date as we incorporate special features such as the seawalls, pedestals and displays, but the flags will be raised and the foundation for the pavers will be in place.

 

If you are considering purchasing bricks engraved with the name of a veteran or first responder, we strongly urge you to place your order by February 15, 2024. There will be room for at least another 800. By doing this, we can assure you that they will be included with the initial installation of the inaugural pavers and will be a part of the planned dedication on Memorial Day. Bricks can be ordered after that date, but we may not have them in time for the first installation. They will be included in future installation dedications on special occasions. Bricks can be ordered online at:

www.veteransmemorialfg.com/bricks

 

While the public has been very generous with their financial support to date, we will continuously need to rely upon donations in order to build a Memorial that our community and Tennesseans will look upon with pride. The Board of Directors for the Memorial is committed to diligently working towards this goal, assuring our supporters of the responsible management of donations and their investment in quality designs, materials and workmanship.

 

Over the coming weeks we will make information known to the public about our progress through Club communications and press releases. We will soon announce a Town Hall Meeting in Fairfield Glade to update those interested in the Memorial, and to discuss our exciting plans for Phase II of the project. In the meantime, you are urged to check the Memorial website at www.veteransmemorialfg.com for periodic updates or to contact us for more information, assistance with your brick order or to make a donation. Thank you.

 

Phil Smith, President

Board of Directors, Veterans and First

Responders Memorial at Fairfield Glade

 

Latest Construction Photos​

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Dear friends,

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As you drive by the Veterans and First Responders Memorial at Fairfield Glade site, located in Robin Hood Park across from Weigel’s and OneBank, you will notice that construction is currently underway! So far, the work has been mostly underground, but that will change as work on the concrete foundations, walls, and flag poles will soon become apparent.

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The Veterans and First Responders Memorial at Fairfield Glade is a privately funded endeavor. You can support the project financially by donating here or by purchasing an engraved brick here. Thank you in advance for your support! Every dollar is a big help as we strive to make this memorial a meaningful and high-quality tribute to those who have served or our currently serving our community and nation.

Please visit our website at www.vfrmemorial.com for more information.

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Best regards,

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Oliver Dossmann

Board member, Veterans and First Responders Memorial at Fairfield Glade

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