Historical society seeks city support for Legacy Park veterans memorial

Ellie Loudermilk, president of the local historical society, told Perry City Council at its April 20 work session that volunteers have spent years developing a proposal for a veterans memorial at Legacy Park and are ready to move forward whether or not a pending grant is awarded.

"This memorial has been a dream of mine. I know for 15 years," Loudermilk told the council, and described design preferences including black granite with etched names, a base that would visually tie into the park's reflection pool, and chronological listing of conflicts. She said volunteers had vetted 1,727 people so far and that the project currently identifies 12 conflicts, with a thirteenth possible.

Loudermilk said she submitted a grant in January and expects a decision in June; she also has a pre‑bid cost estimate from Clark Memorials and said the historical society is prepared to contribute and to solicit support from local veterans organizations, including VFW and American Legion posts, for benches or other donor recognitions. "With fundraising and a donation from the historical society, we are ready to make a commitment grant or no grant," she said.

Council members and staff encouraged Loudermilk to present the project as a formal agenda item so the council could allot more time for detailed discussion and asked staff to coordinate schematic placement and technical details with Loudermilk and with the city manager's office. Council members asked about the grant amount; Loudermilk said the application requested $50,000.

The council did not take formal action at the work session. Staff suggested adding the memorial to a future work session (the first week of May was discussed) to review design schematics, placement in Legacy Park, and coordination with public works and the city manager's office.