Veterans in the town of Choctaw, Oklahoma, have taken the initiative to restore a long‑neglected memorial at Elmwood Cemetery. The monument, which bears the words “Duty. Honor. Freedom.”, had fallen into disrepair, prompting a community‑wide response.
Community fundraising and volunteer effort
The American Legion Post 127, led by public affairs officer Lindsey Jacobs, organized a fundraising drive that quickly gathered $17,000. The money is earmarked for demolition, site preparation, and a new foundation for the memorial.
“We want this to be something for veterans, by veterans,” Jacobs said, emphasizing the project’s grassroots nature. Local residents, businesses, and civic groups have contributed both financially and with volunteer labor.
JROTC students join the work
In September, students from Choctaw High School’s Air Force JROTC unit helped dismantle the old structure. “We did a respectful demolition of the memorial. We took it down by hand,” Jacobs explained. The team discovered additional damage, requiring more of the slab to be removed.
After the demolition, the next steps include clearing debris and pouring a new concrete foundation. While the memorial will not be completed in time for this year’s Veterans Day, volunteers aim to finish the project by spring.
Honoring service and building the next generation
JROTC cadets returned to the cemetery on a recent Friday, joining veterans—including a Purple Heart recipient—to place flags on the headstones of fallen service members. The ceremony highlighted the ongoing commitment to honor those who served.
Jacobs added, “In doing projects like this, where we’re fostering patriotism, where we’re fostering that love of community and country, we are building the next generation that will take the watch.” The restoration effort reflects a broader desire to preserve local heritage and instill pride in younger citizens.
Looking ahead
With the foundation work slated to begin soon, the restored memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to Choctaw’s veterans. The project demonstrates how a small town can rally around its history, support its veterans, and teach future generations the values of duty, honor, and freedom.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
