Frequently Asked Questions about the La Vernia Veterans Memorial
Who is eligible to be on the wall?
Honorably discharged U. S. Veterans, living or deceased, from any time period, who have completed their service and live in or near La Vernia OR the surrounding area, OR has family or friends in or near La Vernia, OR has fond memories of La Vernia.
The cost is $50 for names submitted prior to the time we submit our initial order which will be inscribed at the foundry, which is scheduled for Nov. 30, 2017. After the granite walls are erected, the inscriptions will be engraved onsite, therefore the price will increase to $150 on December 1, 2017.
When is the deadline?
There is no deadline but our first order will be submitted at the end of November 2017. After the walls are erected, orders to the inscriber will be submitted twice a year.
4.
We live in Floresville, Texas but our grandfather lives out of state. Is he eligible?
Yes, as long as he is an honorably discharged Veteran, he qualifies because he has family in or near La Vernia.
Yes, as long as he is an Honorably Discharged Veteran he will qualify because he lived near La Vernia.
Our ancestor served in the Civil War. Is he eligible? Yes, as long as his service can be documented and he has family or friends who live in or near La Vernia. Our committee will assist you with documentation after you have submitted an application.
I am a U. S. Veteran who visited La Vernia years ago and met nice people there. Am I eligible?
Yes, as long as you are honorably discharged.
I am a Veteran of the British Navy living in La Vernia. Am I eligible?
No. The memorial is for U.S. military Veterans only.
I am a retired Army Sargeant and would like to honor my platoon. May I do that?
Maybe. If you live in or near La Vernia or have fond memories of La Vernia and would like to submit an application for each individual platoon member, you may do so. However, the walls will honor individual Veterans only. If you want to name the platoon as a whole, you may wish to order a brick on the Patriot’s Pathway.
We have no Veterans in our family but would like to support the memorial. How can we do that?
There are several ways you can support the Veterans Memorial. You may purchase a brick on the Patriot’s Pathway leading up to the monument, make a donation or simply help us reach more Veterans and supporters. Bricks are $60 for a 4×8″ and $250 for an 8×8″ brick.
11.
We don’t live in La Vernia. Can we support the memorial?
Yes. All donations are appreciated.
12.
Are there any other ways Veterans can be honored at the memorial?
Yes. There will be ten granite benches. Two sides of each bench are available to be personalized with an eligible Veteran’s name. The cost is $2,500 per side, including a free inscription on the wall. Veterans may also be named on personalized bricks on the Patriots Pathway. Bricks are $60 for a 4×8″ and $250 for an 8×8″ brick.
13.
Can we still buy a brick on Patriots Pathway?
Yes. There are many bricks available to be personalized. All proceeds from the bricks directly support the memorial. Bricks are $60 for a 4×8″ and $250 for an 8×8″ brick.
Our company would like to show our support for our Veterans. How can we help?
Any company may purchase personalized bricks on the Patriots Pathway. Bricks are $60 for a 4×8″ and $250 for an 8×8″ brick. In addition, donations of $2,500 or more will be recognized on the Major Donor Recognition monument which will be near the monument.
May we honor our parent’s anniversary or the memory of our grandparents with a personalized brick on the Patriot’s Pathway? They are not Veterans.
Yes. Patriots Pathway provides a way for citizens to support the memorial with personalized sentiments. These bricks do not have to be Veteran-related. Bricks are $60 for a 4×8″ and $250 for an 8×8″ brick.
16.
Is it complicated to apply for an inscription?
No. The application is simple. A DD214 is required to prove Honorable Discharge status. If a Veteran is buried in a military cemetery or has a military honor medal on his/her gravesite, that is also sufficient. The committee is happy to assist with applications and eligibility. Call 830-779-2461 or email us.
17.
Why is this a project of the La Vernia Historical Association?
The LVHA operates the La Vernia Heritage Museum. In 2006, the museum held an exhibit featuring La Vernia Veterans. Many exhibit visitors asked if there was a Veterans memorial in the city. Other than the Concrete Cemetery memorials, there was none. Soon after, the association voted to take on the responsibility of creating a memorial to show how much our community appreciates our Veterans.
18.
Why has it taken so long?
How much will it cost and how much is still needed?
The projected costs are around $220,000. These expenses have been reduced by generous people who have donated thousands of dollars in labor and materials. The project is in phase one of three phases. Phase one, the foundation and Patriots Pathway, is nearing completion. Phase two will see the placement of the inscribed walls. The final phase will be the placement of a 21′ obelisk estimated to cost $80,000. Much of the required funding has been raised but additional funding is needed for landscaping and maintenance.
20.
When will it be completed?
The project is under construction. The project will be completed in phases as funds are available.
Where can I get forms and more information?
Download forms here. Forms are also available at the La Vernia News office and may also be dropped off there. The memorial chairman can be reached at 830-779-2461.