Residents and visitors to Hays County have until the end of May to see a replica of the proposed Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument.

The replica, located in the rotunda of the historic courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, is on tour to encourage donations that will allow a permanent version of the monument to be built on the grounds of the state Capitol.

The Hays County Courthouse is the first stop on the replica's tour.

Jude Prather, Veteran Services Officer for Hays County, said he was able to help two Central Texas Vietnam War veterans assemble the traveling memorial.

"The monument reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of those who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those still missing today," Prather said in a statement.

Prather, who is also a veteran and a San Marcos City Council member, said 500,000 Texans served in the Vietnam War.

According to the county, a resolution approved by the 79th Legislature in May 2005 authorized the building of a monument at the Capitol to be paid for by private donations. The State Historical Commission will match donations up to $500,000.

Prather said he hopes that residents will take the time to visit the replica and that they will support the monument's creation with donations.

More information about the monument and how to donate is at www.buildthemonument.org. For more information about services provided to veterans by the Hays County Veteran Services Office, call 392-8387 or visit www.co.hays.tx.us.