SPRING VALLEY – Spring Valley American Legion Post 227 held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, May 8 for a new veterans’ war memorial off Highway 29 near Park Drive.

Legion Commander Pete Esanbock thanked his fellow Post 227 members, the village and community for their support and patience.  The original veterans war memorial was removed as part of the old nursing home demolition (where Spring Valley Dentistry now stands).

“We are here together to continue the process of rebuilding a new memorial in tribute to those from the Spring Valley area who gave their lives in times of conflict while serving in the United States Armed Forces,” Esanbock said. “It is our hope that this site will serve as a reminder of their sacrifice and of the cost to their families and to the community.”

Esanbock ended by quoting the words President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke on Oct. 14, 1936 at the dedication of the World War Memorial in St. Louis:

“We in American do not build monument to war.

“We do not build monuments to conquest.

“We build monuments to commemorate the spirit of sacrifice in war as reminders of our desire for peace.

“The memory of those whom the War called to the beyond urges us to consecrate the best that is in us, to service of our country in times of peace.

“We best honor the memory of those dead by striving for peace, that the terror of the days of war will be with us no more.”

The memorial plaque will be installed by the end of the year, if all goes according to plan.