Announcement

OPA, Veterans Memorial Foundation open new gazebo

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

(November 12, 2024) Ocean Pines Association and Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation members on Saturday officially opened and dedicated the new gazebo at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines.

Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said the gazebo was a collaborative effort that included the Veterans Memorial Foundation and OPA boards, OPA General Manager John Viola, OPA Public Works, and Whayland Construction.

“What you see today is the fruition of several years of wishing and a year’s planning and building,” she said.

Gilmore said the Veterans Memorial Foundation wanted an “outdoor classroom” to assist with education programs that include annual field trips by every fifth-grade class in Worcester County.

“Each year, more than 650 fifth-grade students from all of the public and private schools in our county come to this special place to learn about veterans, our flag, and our history,” she said. “This gazebo allows us to expand upon our programs, enhancing the experience of the students.

“We are grateful to the Ocean Pines Board of Directors, and Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola, who so willingly joined us in our mission,” Gilmore continued. “The entire community of Ocean Pines has now gained a beautiful spot to enjoy time with friends and family, while visiting this memorial site.”

Gilmore said she envisions both public and private events taking place under the gazebo, as the community continues to embrace and enjoy the Veterans Memorial grounds.

“We hope you will visit it often. This belongs to all of us now,” she said.

Gilmore said Viola was instrumental in the gazebo’s opening, and he led the effort to get the project done in time for the opening on Veterans Day.

“We have something very special here [in Ocean Pines] and this certainly is a part of it,” Viola said. “I have termed this a legacy structure which enhances this iconic area.”

Viola said he was excited about the concept from the start.

“I’m glad we met all expectations. Thank you for everybody” who was involved in the project, Viola said.

Following the dedication, the Memorial Foundation hosted a Veterans Day ceremony with several hundred community members in attendance.

A flag retirement ceremony originally scheduled on Saturday, Nov. 16 was postponed because of a countywide burn ban. Gilmore said the event will be rescheduled.

For photos of the dedication, use the Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/j3a2h1c9mojshbhlip82m/AIr1hMBbKaYro3Sqefx5KPo?rlkey=l1tq8huxxlgn4hamij0k0idep&st=lww8yih0&dl=0

For photos of the Veterans Day ceremony, use the Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ya1dwf1asmghn1g4ez8za/AAvtlLFbMfoG8pxsElgdhr8?rlkey=020142tumobxzmcz7xqbi4a7f&st=kiuunakc&dl=0

Announcement

OPA, Veterans Memorial Foundation open new gazebo

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