Mountain View residents and others will have an opportunity to help fund a new Veterans Memorial in Mountain View and buy-an-engraved-tile in memory of a loved one. The idea to create an inclusive memorial was initiated in 2013 by City Council after the downtown post office was named in honor of Army Lt. Kenneth Ballard, who was killed in Iraq in 2004. The memorial will be located in Eagle Park, 6
50 Franklin Street, which is the site of the old Mountain View High School and nearby the Berlin Wall at the Library. Three existing memorial plaques will be consolidated at Eagle Park and a fourth plaque will be added to recognize every resident who has served in the armed forces. The design at Eagle Park will include a flagpole, military service emblems, benches, and the engraved tiles will be incorporated in the walls of the memorial. The memorial is expected to be constructed in 2015. American Legion Los Altos Post 558 serving Mountain View has committed to fundraising for the project and coordinating the buy-a-tile program to raise funds in 2014-15. Donations from businesses, schools and individuals are needed to fund the memorial, in addition to funds raised through the buy-a-tile program. The newly formed Mountain View Veterans Memorial Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, will provide information about fundraising opportunities as details develop.
