02-21-2001VETERANS PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 21, 20011:30 PM
EDGEWATER COMMUNITY CENTER
MINUTES
ROLL CALL /CALL TO ORDER
Members present were: Jack Corder, Walter Heck, Raymond Saunders, Connie Whitlock
and Councilman James Brown. Also present was Gary Bowles, representative from the
Edgewater/New Smyrna Beach Cemetery.
NEW BUSINESS
Memorial Services
Mr. Corder stated he called this meeting for the purpose of determining everyone's role
in the upcoming memorial services. He stated in the past ten years, the Memorial Day
and Veterans' Day Services had always been held at Veterans Park on Riverside Drive.
The local VFW and American Legion, in conjunction or separately, conduct these
services. He stated we now have new owners of the cemetery and they have put a
monument up in honor of the veterans and they would like to start providing the services.
Mr. Heck asked if the cemetery wants to provide the services or wants the local military
organizations to provide the services. He understood that when the monument was
dedicated the new owners wanted the services held there with the local vets'
organizations, providing the actual services. Mr. Bowles, representative from the
cemetery stated they want to provide an area and any other way they can help to the
veterans organizations. Mr. Corder stated the Veterans Services last year were held in
both locations; the cemetery and the park, and although the times were different, it split
up the people's attendance. He would like to see it established in one location for the
benefit of everyone. He said Mr. Lohman, the cemetery owner has offered to help in any
way possible, in providing the area, tents, chairs, etc. Mr. Bowles stated they had rented
a tent last year and used two smaller funeral tents also. He said they would help with
providing the area, the food and beverages and maybe a cooperative effort could be
worked out with the tents. Mr. Corder stated the City handles the rental of the tents at the
Park services.
Mr. Corder asked the Board what their thoughts were on moving the location to the
cemetery. Mr. Heck said it was fine with him. Mr. Brown noted the cemetery location
is good in the respect that there is easier access for the older people and much more
parking. Mr. Heck asked who would provide the people for parking guides and Mr.
Bowles stated the cemetery would and they would also provide the advertisement for the
services. He also said they would try and arrange for another fly over at the services and
help arrange for key speakers. The Veterans Organizations agreed that would be helpful
as getting speakers has been a problem for them in the past.
Mr. Heck moved for the memorial services to be moved from the present site of Veterans
Park to the Edgewater/New Smyrna. Cemetery and inform Council of this decision. Mr.
Brown seconded the motion and it CARRIED 5 -0.
Mr. Bowles stated the cemetery is also looking to install a memorial similar to the
recognition board at the Park with the brass plate name tags. He said they are looking to
put something in that is a little more legible and more lasting. Mr. Corder agreed the
wooden case and plates they use require maintenance every few years. Mr. Brown asked
if the cemetery has plans to light the monument there and Mr. Bowles replied yes.
Mr. Heck brought up the subject of placing the flags for the Memorial Day Services and
after discussion it was agreed that the Veterans' Organizations would place the flags and
remove them a week later.
The Board also determined that this year's Memorial Day Services would be handled by
the VFW, in conjunction with the cemetery people and the Veterans' Day Services would
be handled by the American Legion, also in conjunction with the cemetery. Both
services will be held at the cemetery location.
There being no further business, Mr. Corder moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman
Brown.
Minutes submitted by
Barb Kowall