The Magnolia Veterans Plaza at Unity Park will undergo renovations to add a centerpiece to the plaza that will have the emblems of the branches of the military on it, said Joshua Chadwick, the vice president of the Magnolia Economic Development 4B Corp.

“The best way I can describe it is it’s going to be similar to a mailbox, four-sided [and] made of the bricks of people who donated,” Chadwick said. “And then on top of that will be a plaque with the emblems of the six branches and then a quote quoted on there for the freedoms that we’re provided based on the sacrifices of others.”

Chadwick also said the 4B Corp. members, who are working on this project in collaboration with the Magnolia Festival Committee, are looking into adding a sixth flag to represent the Space Force.

Zooming out

The Veterans Plaza, located at Unity Park, was a project conceived by Eagle Scout Jacob Lamm in 2019, Lamm said. Before he graduated, he was able to get the concrete poured and the flags up.

“I just felt that Unity Park was a little empty, right there in front of the pavilion,” Lamm said. “My father served; both grandfathers served. And I knew I was going to end up serving. So I figured I wanted to do something for veterans.”

To help fund the project, Lamm said he sold bricks, which were engraved with donors’ names and/or a photo. It will be those bricks that will be used in this renovation of the plaza.

“I just believe that every veteran deserves the recognition,” Lamm said. “And that’s why I’m especially happy that the bricks are finally getting put up because most of the bricks that people ordered were to honor friends and family members that served, or people that served with them.”

What else?

Chadwick said the project, which is being funded through the 4B Corp. and the Magnolia Festival Committee, is estimated to cost around $2,500-$3,000.

The 4B Corp. board has a clause that the project will not exceed $5,000 to be installed, Magnolia Economic Development Director Rachel Steele said via email July 20.

Stay tuned

Chadwick said he estimates the project will be completed by early to mid-September.