Local veterans urge council to designate land for Villa Rica veterans memorial park

Members of the Villa Rica Veterans organization urged the council on July 8 to support and designate land for a veterans memorial park.

John Hannebeck, who identified himself as the founder of the Villa Rica Veterans organization and a combat veteran, told the council the group wants a dedicated memorial park and recalled a concept that dates back several years and a previous allocation of about $100,000 in the comprehensive plan that has not been implemented.

"We want to establish a Villa Rica Memorial Park for veterans," Hannebeck said. He described prior planning and an earlier veterans walk concept in the comprehensive plan and asked for a city designation of property so the group could proceed with fundraising and development.

Robert Hernandez, also a veteran, spoke in support and said the group would continue outreach and fundraising, and that they had contacts in Washington, D.C., to assist. Council members acknowledged the interest and said earlier planning documents had contemplated a veterans walk, and staff noted streetscape and planning efforts will consider memorials as sections of broader projects.

Council did not take formal action during the meeting. Staff said they will continue preliminary discussions with the veterans' group and identify possible city property for the memorial in follow‑up meetings.