LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Cold weather didn’t stop a major delivery in downtown Lima on Tuesday, as the center stone for the new Lima Veterans Memorial Grove arrived and was installed outside the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center.
The monument, made of Barre Gray granite from Vermont, weighs an estimated 35,000 pounds. Its placement marks a key step in the development of the memorial project, which was unveiled last spring through a collaboration of veterans, philanthropists, blacksmiths, landscape architects, and government officials. The space is designed to serve as an area for peaceful reflection and community events. Mike Birkmeier, owner of Delphos Granite Works, says he is pleased to be part of the project.
"This is an exciting project, a lot of thought and, you know, effort went into creating this memorial, and I think it's going to be a beautiful addition to downtown Lima."
The granite structure stands 9 feet tall and will eventually be topped with an 8-foot steel flame sculpture. That installation will have to wait until temperatures consistently rise above 40 degrees for several days. The project is expected to be completed by spring.
