COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Colusa County military veterans launched an ambitious new vision for Veterans Memorial Park at their annual picnic on July 26, which featured good food, strong fellowship, and a major announcement.
Colusa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2441 and the Maxwell American Legion Post 218 have hosted their biggest fundraising event each year since 2011 to support local veterans and expand the park’s permanent tribute to veterans.
So far, nine memorial walls have been completed, each holding 135 personalized bricks representing the local men and women who served in the military or died in service to the nation, said Master of Ceremonies Jon Chaney, describing the achievement as a proud testament to the region’s strong sense of service. A tenth wall is currently under construction.
“For our little town, we’ve done well,” Chaney said.
Saturday’s event also marked the announcement of a bold new initiative: the installation of two life-sized bronze statues near the flagpoles. One statue will feature a saluting military figure with a plaque reading: “Honoring all of those who have served.” The second will depict the Combat Cross, a battlefield memorial consisting of a soldier’s rifle (typically an M16) with a Kevlar helmet resting atop and boots at the base. The memorial will also include a kneeling soldier holding an American flag.
Chaney said fundraising for the project is underway, with both the VFW and American Legion actively seeking sponsors to help raise the $100,000 needed to construct the two statues that will stand as timeless pillars honoring service, sacrifice, and remembrance.
Both the Colusa VFW and Maxwell American Legion are actively seeking new members, open to those who served honorably in all branches of the military. VFW eligibility is based on service dates and duty stations (overseas conflicts). The American Legion is open to all veterans who served during wartime, regardless of deployment locations.