WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Plans for Vermont Fallen Heroes Memorial Move Ahead

Plans for Vermont Fallen Heroes Memorial Move Ahead

South Barre, Vermont -- August 15, 2009

Plans to build a permanent memorial for all 35 of Vermont's fallen soldiers -- killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- are moving ahead.

Organizers say the proposed memorial to the service men who were born, resided in or had family ties to Vermont, still needs a location. They hope to win permission to build it at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph Center. Two Saturdays from now, members of Vermont Fallen Families plan to hold a motorcycle Ride to Remember as a fundraiser. They need to raise $350,000. Whoever raises the most will win a Harley-Davidson, which is being donated by Wilkins Harley and several central Vermont auto dealers.

Marion Gray, who lost her son Jamie in Iraq, told Channel 3, "We're doing this August 29th, so it's just about two weeks. We're going to end up at Lucky's at exit 3 off Route I-89. And at the end of the day, the person who raises the most in donations for that memorial will win the 2009 Harley Davidson Sportster."

Anyone interested in taking part in the Ride to Remember -- or just wants to donate to the memorial project -- can find the information at www.ridetoremembervermont.org.