VERO BEACH — Kim Lorimier, Chair of the Democrats of Indian River, presented Patrick Williamson, Vice-President of the Next Generation Veterans organization, and veteran member Nicole Haagenson, with a check to help support the building of a new monument, “Words from War.”
The presentation was made at the monthly meeting of the Democratic Executive Committee in June.
The monument will be a memorial honoring those members of the armed forces who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars from 1990 to the present. The monument will be erected in Riverside Park, immediately outside Memorial Island.
Chair Lorimier noted at the presentation, “Thank you so much for your service. As the defenders of democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan, we commend and honor NextGenVeterans’ members and activities. We are proud to offer you our support.”
Williamson then gave the Democrats of Indian River a framed etching with the artist’s rendering of the memorial. The picture of the future memorial will be hung proudly in the Democrats’ new headquarters (2345 14th Avenue, Vero Beach, 32960).
The Democrats of Indian River (www.democratsofindianriver.org) gives a voice to Democratic principles and advocates for working families and seniors. Since revitalizing its efforts last October, charitable giving in the community is a priority for the local Democratic party, along with the primary mission to get out the vote.
The NextGenVeterans fundraising goal for the memorial is $300,000. Half of these funds will go for the building of the monument and the other half will benefit the Veterans Council of Indian River County to support their many programs that support all veterans in the local community.
Next Generation Veterans (www.nextgenveterans.com) is aimed at younger veterans of the recent conflicts in the Middle East and the War on Terror who served in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1990 to present.
