First Look: Local Veteran Presents Design Plans for Service Memorial

A brick and pavement service memorial could be on its way to the corner of Germantown Pike and Walton Road, should the Plymouth Township community support the efforts of local veteran George Gunning.

Gunning and architect Richard Powers, of Norristown-based firm Seiler & Drury, presented initial renderings of the Plymouth Township Service & Devotion Monument before Plymouth Council on Monday. The design is centered on eight pillars, each standing approximately eight feet tall and representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, law enforcement, and fire and ambulance professionals.

"Always in my heart, I felt that this township should have something to recognize the very good people who devoted their time and efforts, and even their lives, for our country," Gunning said.

The 83-year-old came before Plymouth Township last year with the idea for a monument, and said council welcomed him and offered him the plot of land near the . Gunning then enlisted the services of Powers, who designed the monument and spoke at the meeting.

"We wanted to make a place where you can think about what these people do for the township and country," said Powers, adding that the memorial even honors those outside of military and emergency services.

"It's really toward all citizens that served the township," Powers said.

In addition to the pillars, the monument will have a number of benches on which visitors can sit and reflect, and will be lit around the clock by solar-powered lights. Powers said "chaotic" styled pavement will represent the different challenges the servicemen and women face on a daily basis, and that the following mantra would be inscribed on a brick facade:

"We honor the past, present, and future citizens of the township for their tireless dedication and devotion to making Plymouth Township a premiere place to live, work, and play."

However, the privately funded monument will only be built if enough money is raised, and council implored citizens of the township to aid the effort.

"Hopefully our residents will get behind it and support this," said chair Sheldon Simpson. "It's a great cause, not just for our military, but our volunteers and paid staff at the police, ambulance, and fire departments who dedicate themselves every day to the residents of the township."

Residents are encouraged to visit the GPCC or township building to see design plans and find out how to donate. Officials said that there will likely be a donation brick section of the monument, and that all money would be placed into an account handled by the township.

According to Richard Powers, two changes will be made to the above design. 1) A pillar will be added for the Coast Guard, and "Police" will be changed to "Law Enforcement."