Submitted Photo Chautauqua Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial board members, Jim Kurtz, Sandi Wagner and Janie Raynor meet with Tory Irgang, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation executive director, in front of the memorial bricks the Foundation’s grant purchased.

MAYVILLE –Two years after breaking ground in the Mayville Cemetery, the Chautauqua Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial is complete. A formal dedication of the space is scheduled for October 5 at 1 p.m.

Led by a group of residents from the Village of Mayville and Town of Chautauqua, the Chautauqua Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial committee recently received its 501c3 status, which allows it to operate as a nonprofit organization.

In addition to the gazebo-like structure, the memorial incorporates walls of commemorative bricks honoring all Chautauqua County service men and women, many of whom have received the highest of military honors.

According to Jim Kurtz, CHHVM board member, a special effort is being made to honor those who were missing or killed in action.

“Chautauqua County has 214 veterans who were either MIA or KIA and are buried in a foreign cemetery,” Kurtz said. “Our intentions with creating this memorial were to provide a place where loved ones could gather to feel that their veteran was not forgotten.”

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation recently awarded a grant from its Fund for the Region to the CHHVM to purchase 50 cenotaph bricks to honor these veterans.

“These brave men and women gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms,” said Tory Irgang, Community Foundation executive director. “It is our honor to support the mission of the Chautauqua Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial to keep their legacy alive for future generations.”