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Veterans groups ask Collegedale to back Space Force star at Veterans Memorial Park
Summary
Dennis Smith of the American Legion and VFW commander Brian Hardy asked commissioners to authorize fundraising and a citizens’ committee to add a Space Force star to Veterans Memorial Park, estimating about $18,000 in materials and a multi-year refurbishment plan; commissioners said a resolution would be required before a vote.
Dennis Smith, representing the American Legion, asked Collegedale commissioners on Nov. 24 to let the veterans’ organizations partner with the city to add a Space Force star to Veterans Memorial Park and to help organize a veterans advisory committee. Smith said the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are already fundraising and have roughly $1,500 on hand toward the new star.
Smith, who said the American Legion and the VFW have led prior refurbishments at the park, gave commissioners a cost estimate for the proposed Space Force star and related installation costs of roughly $18,000, including a bronze medallion and custom “Space Force” lettering. "We already have $1,500; we feel confident we can raise the rest from the community," Smith said.
Brian Hardy, identified by Smith as the commander of the local VFW, attended the presentation and joined calls for a formal committee to coordinate fundraising, construction and ongoing maintenance. The veterans proposed the committee include a commissioner and a police representative to review siting, crowd-management and compliance with Department of Defense flag orderings for branch ordering in the park.
Commissioners indicated they could not vote on the request at the workshop. Staff told the group that a resolution would be required and that it would need to be ready for placement on the commission agenda to be considered at a future meeting. The commission directed staff to prepare language for a resolution and advised the veterans to work with city planner Jason Allen to ensure any temporary signage or flagpoles comply with local code.
The veterans also told the commission they plan to refurbish bronze statues, continue routine maintenance with the city’s help and hold fundraising events, including a December effort that they said would direct proceeds to the star project. The veterans emphasized the addition was intended to ensure the park represents all service branches, including the Space Force.
No formal vote or funding commitment was made at the workshop; commissioners requested a drafted resolution and more precise site plans and cost estimates before placing the item on a future agenda.
