The Clark County Veterans Council was initially formed nearly twenty years ago. One of its first efforts was directed toward building a local memorial to recognize Clark County residents who had died during World War II and Korea.
While World War I deaths are recognized by the “Doughboy” statue on the rear lawn of the courthouse and the Vietnam War deaths commemorated by a separate monument, the deaths which occurred during World War II and Korea are only noted by small bronze plaques attached to the base of the Doughboy statue.
A design competition was begun, and the design now being proposed was chosen by the council.
Following an initial flurry of activity, funds were raised toward construction of the memorial, with donations from the city and county and the sale of memorial bricks.
About 12 years ago, a ninety-nine year lease was offered the Council by Kentucky Bank for a section of property located at the southeast corner of Lexington Avenue and Maple Street. The property was the site of a fountain and garden area which was no longer in use.
Then, approximately three years ago, the bank property was sold and the lease terminated. No work on the memorial had taken place at the site prior to the lease termination.
Interest waned and the council became inactive for several years, precipitated in part by the COVID pandemic.
In September of 2021, interested parties came together to reinvigorate the council and work began to incorporate, produce the necessary bylaws and seek tax-exempt status so the memorial could once again become a viable possibility.
In March of 2022, documents were finalized for the formation of the council, officers were chosen, and articles of incorporation were filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
In late 2022, the council received 501(c)3 status and secured a P.O. box.
A subcommittee was formed and visited approximately 20 local sites as possible locations for the memorial. Criteria included accessibility, parking, and no cost for the land. Negotiations began with Clark County Public Schools administration, and a tentative agreement was reached to place the memorial on a school site. However, legal issues complicated the negotiations, and the effort was abandoned.
In the meantime, a building in downtown Winchester suffered severe structural damage due to an underground water course. The building was not salvageable and had to be demolished and purchased by the city.
With this space now vacant and not suitable for new building construction, the council approached the Winchester City Commission on June 6th, 2023, and requested that the property be dedicated for the memorial.
On August 1st, 2023, the City Commission unanimously agreed to dedicate the property and negotiations began to finalize the design, which was approved by the City Commission on August 15, 2023.
On October 13th, 2023, a sign was erected on the site designating its use for the memorial.