SOUTHWICK – There will be a new stone added for the town’s veterans to be located on the green of the Southwick Congregational Church on College Highway.
As there is already a plaque of veterans who have lived or do live in Southwick that fought in wars including the Korean War and Vietnam War, the newest stone will include veterans of the Iraq, Gulf, and Afghan wars.
A member of the Rotary Club and the Select Board Clerk, Joe Deedy, is heading this project.
According to Deedy, the stone will be 4′ by 3′ in size. As this project has been talked about for the last couple of years, $10,000 has been raised in total.
A new stone will be put in on Veterans Day to recognize more Veterans of Southwick. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Half of the money raised has come from the Rotary Club of Southwick, and half of the money has been generated from the Lions Club.
“We felt it would be a great joint venture, and it has been,” said Deedy.
Deedy also pointed out that a sidewalk has been built for easier accessibility when people are approaching the stones.
Currently, Deedy said that 15 people will be named on the stone for the Iraq war, six people for the Afghan war, and one so far for the Gulf War.
The unveiling of the stone will take place on Veterans Day after the Veterans Day parade that goes throughout the town.
As there still is plenty of time to have more names on the newest stone, Deedy is encouraging anyone who has served in the Iraq, Afghan, and Gulf wars, to contact him directly at 569-1700.
