The Atlantic Elks Lodge is holding a fundraiser to benefit Veterans of Cass County. Elks member Mark McNees says more specifically, the fundraiser is for a project in the Field of Glory area in the Atlantic Cemetery, to make it easier for people to access the Field of Glory.

McNees said the idea came about from seeing Veterans walk across the grass as their branch of service was called, to lay a wreath at the Field of Glory, which was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1944. The project will make it easier for the aging Veterans to walk toward the memorial area.

It would also make it more wheelchair accessible. An announcement will be made during Memorial Day services on Monday, that the Elks are looking for donations to help pay for the sidewalk project.

(He says their goal is to raise $5,000.)

Embedded along the concrete sidewalk, near where the wreaths are laid, will be brass, heavy duty medallions for each of the five branches of service. Any funds left over may be used for such things as temporary flag holders, lighting, landscaping, and perhaps even an “Eternal Flame.”

Donations may be mailed to the Atlantic Elks Lodge, P.O. Box 14, Atlantic, IA 50022. Mark your checks with “sidewalk project,” or “Veterans cemetery project.”   Donations will also be accepted at the Atlantic Armory, and during the Memorial Day service in the Atlantic Cemetery. Other fundraising plans are also in the works.

It’s hoped work on the project can begin later this summer or early fall.