Veteran’s Memorial on schedule despite supply chain issues

By Garrett Ammesmaki,

Editor

Current look of the memorial. The concrete and curbing were completed as of October 12. The Veterans Memorial Committee has raised over $120,000 and have had over $25,000 of donated material and labor. Photo: Courtesy of Kristen Daggett

Construction for the Tea Veteran’s Memorial is progressing well, despite some issues with getting the marble pavers.

Dedication for the memorial is on track to be held 4 pm on Veteran’s Day of this year, according to Kristen Daggett, member of the Tea Memorial Committee.

Though the pavers won’t be placed for the dedication due to supply chain issues caused by COVID-19, there will be pictures of what the pavers will look like present at the memorial created by Tea local Dwayne Gors.

The committee plans to do a paver unveiling on either Memorial Day or Tea Pot Days of next year.

They have sold roughly half of the 288 spots. Anyone interested in purchasing a paver can do so through the city website until the paver spots are full.

“Getting the pavers has been the only hiccup,” said Daggett. “Other than that, everything else has went really well and we’ve gotten tremendous community support.”

Construction of the memorial began with the groundbreaking on Memorial Day of this year.

Concrete for the memorial was finished mid-September, and done by Scott and Pamela Javers. By the end of last month, Brooking’s Lawn and Landscape finished up the concrete edging.

In the next two weeks, Sorlien Electric will finish the memorial’s lights. The flag poles will be lit, and they will also install other decorative lighting.

Monuments that include stone benches and a pillar for each military branch should be placed over the week of October 17.

The November 11 dedication ceremony will include food, speakers at the Tea Legion, as well as a presentation of colors and a performance by the men’s choir from the Trinity Lutheran Church.

The memorial committee has raised enough funds to fully complete the project, but they are still accepting donations through the city website. Any funds that go above their goal will be used for any future maintenance required for the memorial or if they need to expand the number of pavers.

“I’m extremely proud of the community for their support, and I am excited to see the final project to honor our veterans,” said Daggett.