The Johns Creek Veterans Association will hold a dedication and flag-raising ceremony November 7 for the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk entrance plaza located at Newtown Park in Johns Creek. The project, which began two years ago, is expected to be completed in time for the event.

"In the past few months, we have made tremendous progress," said JCVA President Wayne Kidd. "The monuments will be ready, the gazebo built, the engraved pavers installed, and the grounds will be landscaped. The community is really coming together to make this happen. The Veterans Memorial Walk is going to be a destination point and something the people of Johns Creek can be proud of."

Immediately before the ceremony, which will begin at 1:00 p.m., the JCVA will unveil the black marble monuments focusing on each conflict dating to World War I, Purple Heart recipients, MIA-POWs, and Women in Service. JCVA volunteers will lead walking tours after the ceremony. The ceremony will feature short addresses, patriotic songs, and the first official raising of the flags for each branch of service, plus the national, state and city flags. Light food and drink will be available at Park Place adjacent to the plaza.

The 1,800-pound monuments feature engraved photographs and colored war ribbons specific to each conflict. Matching granite benches are planned for each memorial plaza. Visitors can stop for rest and reflection at a gazebo in the center of the four-acre memorial. Each monument plaza is floored with donated pavers, most of which are engraved with the names of the donor's loved one who served, as well as the rank, branch of service and years served. The JCVA is still accepting donations for engraved pavers.