Veterans Get Look At Peachtree Corners Memorial Plans

PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA — Plans in Peachtree Corners to honor military veterans got a first look recently by some of the men and women they're meant to salute.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Bob Ballagh, the executive director of the Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument Association, recently presented the city’s plans for honoring former and current members of the U.S. armed forces to about 20 retired vets living at Noble Village — a seniors community in Peachtree Corners.

The group gathered on Wednesday for the presentation.

Planned for a spot on the Town Green in the city's new Town Center, the monument will be a 3,000 square-foot plaza featuring seven statues.

A central pillar, topped with an eagle atop a globe, will represent the presence of the U.S. armed forces across the world. Meanwhile, six sculptures will represent each of the branches of the nation's military and the military reserves.

Sculptor Chad Fisher, of Fisher Sculptures, is donating the statues.

"We are creating this monument for the community, to honor both those who have served and those who are currently serving our country," said Ballagh. "The monument will also be an ideal way for youngsters in our community to learn about the men and women who served and sacrificed to protect our freedom."

The final cost for the monument is expected to be nearly $500,000.

Ballagh, along with community volunteers, has been diligently working to raise the funds. So far, the association has collected more than $123,000 through donations and the sale of brick pavers.

Benches will be built into the outer wall and the granite wall tops will be engraved with information about the nation's wars and other significant military operations.

Three flagpoles, flying the U.S., Georgia and city flags, will serves as a backdrop for the monument.

The monument also will have its own smartphone app, which will provide interactive information describing the monument, with links to information about the veterans of Peachtree Corners and a brick locator for donated bricks.

The PCVMA plans on holding a dedication ceremony in the fall of 2018 when work on the town center and monument is scheduled to be complete.

"Many cities honor those who have served in our country’s armed forces and the City of Peachtree Corners is proud that it will be among those communities who recognize our veterans," said Mayor Mike Mason. "For those who would like to know more about the veterans’ monument, I would encourage you to contact one of the representatives of the Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument Association."

You may contact the PCVMA by email at pcvma@comcast.net or by phone at 678-618-1722.

Photos courtesy City of Peachtree Corners