Since 1997, Friends of the Veterans Monument has been creating a place to reflect, remember, and honor the men and women who have served in the armed services of the United States.

The effort has been led by Rich Buchanan of Placerville.

This site that is used several times each year for special events, complete with flyovers that draw large crowds. Memorial benches are in place, but not enough to accommodate the growing attendance.

More seating, a kiosk and another structure for troop listings are just part of the vision that continues to form in the minds of this group.

Hayden Cooksy decided his Eagle Scout project would be to have two benches dedicated to this site. Cooksy explains that he chose two benches so that he can designate “one to commemorate those who served in the ‘forgotten war’ in Korea and one to honor the more current conflicts in the Middle East spanning from 1980 to the present”.

The Welcome Home Fund has been created at the El Dorado Community Foundation. This fund will be advised by seven members of the community, and will be used in the ongoing efforts of the Friends of the Veteran’s Monument to enhance the site in a myriad ways, including support for Cooksy’s Eagle Scout project.

Gifts may be made to the El Dorado Community Foundation’s Welcome Home Fund, P.O. Box 1388, Placerville, CA 95667.