Lavonia Starting Brick Program to Honor Veterans

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

The city of Lavonia is undertaking a new project aimed at honoring veterans and current servicemen and women.

Vivian Young is organizing the effort at the Lavonia Welcome Center.

She said the city is putting together a Veterans Memorial Brick Project at the Gazebo on Main Street in downtown Lavonia.

“The mayor, along with some volunteers, are starting a brick project in honor of our veterans in the greater Lavonia area,” said Young. “Anybody that feels like they have a connection with Lavonia or the surrounding areas that wants to be honored in our brick project can come to the Depot and fill out a form and purchase a brick.”

Young said anyone with a connection to Lavonia may purchase brick in memory of a loved one or to honor a loved one now serving on active duty in the military.

“If they feel a connection with Lavonia, say if they moved in and now reside in Lavonia or Carnesville and they would like to be in our brick project, they are more than welcome,” said Young. “It is to honor the people that have served in our Armed Forces. That is Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Guard.”

The city is hoping to collect at least 400 bricks to put around the Gazebo downtown.

However, Young said the response so far has been better than expected with more applications coming in every day.

“This has been very well-received,” said Young. “The people seem to like it. I think that they need to be acknowledged. To me right now, that is one of the most important things we need to remember is our veterans.”

The deadline to order a Veterans Memorial Brick is May 31st.

After that, the bricks will be sent to the engraver and then laid around the Gazebo in Lavonia.

Once complete, a special ceremony to honor veterans will be held at the Gazebo at an as yet undetermined date.

Anyone who would like to pick up a form to purchase a brick can stop by the Welcome Center at the Lavonia Train Depot or contact Vivian Young at 706-356-1926 for more information.