Nov. 4--PLANT CITY -- Residents can do their part to help build the Veterans Monument and Park by buying bricks that are being used in the redesign for Courier Field.

Workers for Showalter Construction of Plant City have been busy setting the 12,500 bricks that will serve as a gathering area and walkway for visitors to the monument and park. Many of the bricks will be available to individuals, families, clubs and others to be personally engraved in memory of veterans, whether living or deceased. Business owner Robert Showalter, a military veteran who has been contracted for the project, said the bricked area will run from the park gazebo to and around the monument honoring all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The sale of the engraved bricks will help to finance the work. Each engraved brick will cost $150. The engraving will allow three lines of 15 characters maximum per line, including spaces.

"Each engraved brick will add to the personal feeling and spirit of the monument park," said Jennifer Closshey, chairwoman of the Plant City Armed Forces Memorials Foundation. "Those who take part in this project, even with a single brick, will feel ownership in something that will be a proud part of the landscape in Plant City."

Anyone who would like to have a brick engraved, contribute to or get involved with the memorial should contact Cassandra Banning at CBanning @veteransmonument.com.

Donations should be made to the Plant City Armed Forces Memorials Foundation Inc. and mailed to Joe Sedita, Sedita Kilton & Co., CPA,104 N. Evers St., Suite 202, Plant City FL 33563.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 731-8161.

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