Sunday, 28 February 2010 11:00

Gov. M. Jodi Rell has opened the design competition for Connecticut’s first statewide memorial to honor all state veterans with a deadline for entries slated for Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at 3 p.m.

The state veterans’ memorial will be on a grassy meadow adjacent to the Col. Raymond F. Gates State Veterans Cemetery, which is across from the State Veterans Home on West Street in Rocky Hill. A groundbreaking is expected later this spring or summer with a dedication ceremony to be held by the end of the year.

The Connecticut State Veterans Memorial design competition is open to Connecticut residents, artists, architects, landscape architects and resident/non-resident students who are enrolled in Connecticut institutions of higher learning. Submissions are welcome from those who can fulfill all of the submission requirements. All entry rules, instructions and site photos are available at cthonorsvets.org or by e-mailing president@cthonorsvets.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

“Throughout the history of our nation, more than 1.3 million Connecticut citizens have served in defense of our country’s peace and freedom,” said Gov. Rell. “The Connecticut State Veterans Memorial will be a central, dignified place to pay honor to state heroes and heroines of the past, honor the veterans of today and demonstrate the deep appreciation we hold for their service for generations to come.”

“We will need financial support from individuals, businesses and veterans’ service organizations from across the state to make the creation of this memorial a reality. Connecticut responded with overwhelming financial support when we brought 700 troops home for the holidays in December. I am confident the citizens of this great state will respond with the same generous support, particularly when it comes to honoring our veterans who never made it home after serving our country.”

Gov. Rell announced the effort to build a statewide memorial in November 2008 and provided $100,000 in seed money through capital funding to help support its initial design and construction. The Governor also appointed an advisory committee, chaired by Department of Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Dr. Linda Schwartz, to advise her on the development of the memorial.

To contribute to this effort, checks and money orders should be made payable to Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, Inc. and mailed to: Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, Inc., c/o Rockville Bank, P.O. Box 660, Rockville, CT 06066. Donations can also be made online at cthonorsvets.org.

The Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, Inc. (CSVM), is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.