Preston VFW post plans tribute to vets

PRESTON, Conn. (AP) - For a long time, a concrete slab outside the Preston Veterans of Foreign Wars post sat empty as members awaited the return of a monument to local veterans.

But when it was decided to move the monument to the Preston Library, the post this summer came up with its own plan for a tribute, Quartermaster Michael Potter said.

On Veterans Day — chosen deliberately — the post, on Spicer Road, will dedicate its stone patio-style area, which circles one side of a large 155-Howitzer cannon on the grounds. Roughly 500 commemorative bricks are inlaid into the patio, approximately half bearing the names of donors to the post and to the $10,000 project.

Even before the cleanup is finished from the 10-month project, the group already has expansion plans. Flagpoles marking the boundaries of the expanded stone garden on the other side of the cannon will be visible at the dedication, Potter said.

"The only thing we probably won't have done by (Friday) is the grass," Potter said, gesturing toward a level, hay-covered patch of dirt next to the garden.

That section will include a victory garden and more walkway space, Potter said.

"We'll do the next section next year," Potter said. "It's a great project for the town, and great way to honor veterans."

Marty Melgey, the Salem mason who worked on the project, said he recognized many of the names on the bricks from growing up in Preston.

"It's good to see the support they got, and how everyone pitched in and contributed," he said.

The oldest veteran whose name is on a brick fought at the Battle of Chancellorville in the Civil War.

"We wanted to look at all veterans," said former post commander George Magowan.

Some people who bought bricks in honor of loved ones came down to watch the installations, Magowan said.

"They came out and sat in their cars just to see where their bricks went," he said.

Other veterans honored come from as far away as San Antonio, Texas, where post leaders traveled earlier this year to accept an award from the national VFW organization.

Before people come to admire the tribute garden, Potter said, the cleanup must take place.

"The grounds cleanup is huge," Potter said, noting the drain pipes and construction equipment surrounding the garden.

"We're 80 percent done for this year, and by Friday we'll be 97 percent there," Potter said. "It's a work in progress."