Veterans Memorial proposed at Holts Summit

Alderman: Site would be visible from U.S. 54

Holts Summit Alderman Landon Oxley has proposed a Veterans Memorial to be built in an area of Hibernia Station Park next to U.S. 54 and near the Holts Summit City Hall.

Oxley suggested a Veterans Memorial with one 40-foot flag pole for the American flag and six other 35-foot flag poles to honor each branch of the U.S. armed services and U.S. prisoners of war.

"I would like for the Holts Summit Veterans Memorial to be located next to U.S. 54 so people driving along the highway will notice it," Oxley said.

Oxley said he has discussed the proposed Veterans Memorial with area veterans organizations and they are "excited about organizing fundraising efforts to finance the Veterans Memorial."

"I talked with representatives of the VFW in Fulton and Post 5 of the American Legion in Jefferson City, and I plan also to talk with representatives of AMVETS in Mokane. All of them like the idea," Oxley said.

Oxley said he also mentioned the proposal to Callaway County Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, "and she is highly supportive of the idea."

Oxley said the Veterans Memorial would be financed by private donations.

Oxley suggested the Veterans Memorial during a work session of the Holts Summit Board of Aldermen. All of the aldermen voiced support. Mayor Lucas Fitzpatrick offered strong support for the city to donate park land for the memorial but said it would be important for the community to finance construction of the memorial with private donations.

Holts Summit City Administrator Brian Crane said the city could participate by donating space for the memorial and to provide electricity, park benches and access to the memorial.

Fitzpatrick suggested that Oxley meet with Crane to work out a potential location for the Veterans Memorial that would be visible to people traveling along U.S. 54 and also work out electrical access as well as parking at the memorial.

Oxley said Wednesday he plans to meet with landscaping and construction firms for cost estimates and suggestions on site locations in the park.

Oxley's sister, Denise Oxley, organized and spearheaded another successful volunteer effort to landscape entrance and exit ramps from U.S. 54 in Holts Summit last year. Denise Oxley teamed up with the Holts Summit Community Betterment Association to complete volunteer landscaping on six ramps in Holts Summit.

"I've got a long way to go, but I hope to have some detailed information on the proposed Veterans Memorial available during the next month or so," Oxley said. "Everyone has been very positive on this general concept, and we now need to refine it."