Veterans Memorial

My name is Jon Cheatham and I am 15 years old. I am seeking donations for my Eagle Scout project. My project is the construction of a Veterans Memorial in my hometown of Smithfield, Utah. Smithfield is a small town in northern Utah with a population of about 12,000. There is no memorial in Smithfield to honor the men and women that have served in the Armed Forces.

The memorial will consist of a lifesize, bronze battlefield cross surrounded by pavers arranged in the form of a pentagon. A bronze plaque will be placed near the base of the cross. Donations will be used to purchase the bronze statue, plaque, and pavers. I have obtained quotes for these materials and the total cost will be over $10,000. 

I began my project last winter. Since that time I have collected donations from local citizens, businesses, and veterans organizations. I have started this GoFundMe campaign to make it easier to donate to this project. 

If I surpass my goal of $10,000 I will use the extra funds to add to the memorial. For example, I'd like to add a bronze statue of a soldier kneeling before the battlefield cross, showing respect for a fallen buddy.

A similar memorial in Roselle, IL.

Veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and the cause of freedom. They deserve our respect and honor. Since I started my project I have met many veterans. They are good men and women with amazing stories of determination and courage.

I have family members that have served or are serving in the Armed Forces. I am sure that most people have a friend or a family member that is a veteran.

I want to complete my Eagle Project by the end of the Summer (before school starts again) but I will work until the Veterans Memorial is completed. I am grateful for any donation. Please share this with your friends and family through social media and email. Thank you for your help!

I presented my project proposal to the Smithfield City Council in March 2016, The Council approved the project.
 The Veterans Memorial will be located on Main Street in Smithfield near the public library.  See the street view of the location in Google Maps. 

In February and March I organized my fellow Scouts to visit local businesses asking for donations.

I have posted flyers throughout the community.

We have asked citizens for donations outside the local grocery store, Lee's Marketplace.

We handed out flyers while walking in the Smithfield Health Days parade in May 2016. Local veterans invited me to accompany them in the parade. 

We had a booth at Smithfield Health Days where we gathered over $500 in donations from local citizens.

This is the inspiration for my Eagle Project. This photo was saved from www.lifewithdogs.tv. Copyright US Marine Corps.

Donations are also being accepted at the Smithfield City offices located at 96 South Main St.  Smithfield, UT  84335. Checks should be written to "Smithfield City" and include "Veterans Memorial" on the memo line on the check. I will add these donations to the total on this GoFundMe campaign.

Please share this with your friends and family through social media and email. Thank you for your help!