Volunteers leading the Milford Vietnam Memorial told the Board of Selectmen on July 14 that project work will move to site construction in August and on-site stone installation in early September. Organizers said they have raised roughly $114,000 and have about $40,000 in cash available; they plan additional fundraising and may seek a warrant article next year to finish a related Global War on Terrorism plaza.

Jerry Guthrie, project lead, told the board the two main granite blocks have been cut and are being finished in Brookline, New Hampshire, and will be transported to Milford on a crane-equipped truck for placement around Sept. 2. Guthrie said the group has finalized foundation plans, received necessary permits and coordinated with the Department of Public Works on site preparation.

“We have the two main blocks ready to go,” Guthrie said, adding that volunteers and sculptors will begin on-site engraving so students and community members can observe the work. Guthrie said about 224 service members’ names are slated for inclusion and staff are still finalizing several names.

Organizers described a timeline: site layout and utility relocation in July, foundation work in mid-August, participation in the Labor Day parade on Sept. 1 and stone installation Sept. 2, followed by phased engraving, walkway, retaining wall and brick work through mid-September. Donated granite from a local quarry will be used in stages to avoid site congestion, Guthrie said.

Guthrie asked the board for help publicizing names to ensure final listings are accurate and told the board there are about 14 major donors who have contributed $5,000 or more. Selectmen asked about construction dust and noise during engraving; organizers said the work would be limited segments of a day and they would notify nearby residents.

Guthrie said benches and lighting have been donated and families have purchased memorial benches; he said the community hopes to finish the Global War on Terrorism section next year, possibly supported by a warrant article.

Board members thanked organizers and asked staff to help coordinate road and electrical work with DPW and the congregational church, which controls the immediate site access.

No formal board action was required; organizers said the project will continue to seek donations and volunteer labor.