Compromise Brings Agreement on Memorial Sculpture

Veterans representing American Legion Post 404 came forward at the Marco City Council Meeting on Monday, April 22nd, to tie a string around the package they have been seeking for the last four years. At that meeting, they came back seeking approval to move forward on a sculpture to represent what they, as veterans of the conflict in Vietnam, saw as a close reflection of their recollections. Throughout the discussions, it became evident that a compromise would need to happen on size and location for the sculpture piece. It was probably the words spoken by 1st Vice Commander John Apolzan of the Legion Post that resonated most with councilors as Apolzan said, “Please don’t push us in the back like they did when we came home. Approve Option Three. ”During the last several months, a committee of Legion members worked with Assistant City Manager Casey Lucius and city staff on the details of the proposal brought forward on Monday evening for council consideration, which included a Memorandum of Understanding calling out the details and options regarding locations and issues concerning size. The Legion Post had compromised on the size of the sculpture piece and the city would work through the details regarding the location of the sculpture within the Veterans Memorial. Legion Member Terry Kehoe brought forth the “non-scaled” version of the memorial they were requesting. Kehoe himself was the creator of the non-scaled model he proudly displayed. In 2008,the Marco Island City Council voted to create the first Master Plan for Veterans Community Park, having purchased it five years earlier in 2003. A citizens’ committee was appointed to work with Sarasota-based architects Kimley-Horn and their representative, James Pankon in, to develop the vision for the park. The Veterans Memorial within the park was dedicated on 11-11-2011 at the Veterans Day Ceremony by the local VFW Committee, who had raised the monies for the original section of the memorial dedicated to the park. Later, the Freedom Fountain was added, as well as other additions. The Veterans Memorial is dedicated to all who have served within the Armed Forces of the United States in peace time and all armed conflicts