Although construction of the Ames Veterans Memorial is not yet underway, the committee helping to build it said it has remained proactive in efforts to honor the community’s former military service members.

“The committee has raised approximately $75,000 to $80,000 since we went public with our fundraising [campaign] on June 1, 2004,” said Brian Anderson, co-chairman of the Ames Veterans Memorial Committee.

Construction of the project, which is estimated to cost $170,000, will not begin until the committee has the money or pledges to finance it, which is a city requirement, he said. Eventually, the city will take ownership of the memorial.

Since the City Council approved the site May 27, 2003, two important developments have occurred, Anderson said.

“[The committee] has selected a good artist and we have the best location in Ames on the corner of Fifth Street and Grand Avenue, a site approximately 90 feet by 90 feet,” he said. “The key to the memorial was to have a viable location which would be very visible and close to downtown.”

Iowa sculptor Christopher Bennett, the man who sculpted Iowa State’s Jack Trice Memorial Statue, was selected as the project’s artistic manager through a statewide competition.

His original idea, “Descending Strength — Ascending Peace,” has been transformed into symbols every American can recognize, Bennett said.

A wall, the monument’s main structure, will feature the bust of an eagle and a dove, representing both strength and peace, he said. A quote from George Washington that reads “To be prepared for war is the most effectual means to preserve the peace” will be inscribed on the wall’s face. Behind the wall, an American flag will be posted.

The monument will face southwest, and a brick walkway going through its center will feature the names of veterans and project donors, according to the plan. Five sandstone block benches, each depicting the name of one of the five military branches, will surround a fountain at the memorial’s center.

Bennett also plans to surround the area with a raised backdrop, a framing technique that is both practical and symbolic, he said.

The landscape design will represent the rolling hills that are characteristic of the Midwest, Bennett said. It will also offer the memorial privacy and allow it to fit into the surroundings.

Anderson and Bennett both said the project is taking a tremendous amount of time, coordination and planning.

“It’s a site development, not simply plop art. It’s not something I simply make in the studio and plop down when finished,” Bennett said. “When [the committee] gives the green light, it should come together in 12 to 18 months.”

Anderson said the committee accepts donations of any amount for the memorial, but offers special recognition for each $125 donation as part of the Brick Walkway Project.

Patrons wishing to honor someone may have that individual’s name engraved on a brick that will surround the memorial; a star will be added to each engraving of a veteran’s name.

Ames veteran Dave Rehbein said although he may have a deeper connection with the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, he’s glad to see the city is acknowledging local veterans.