'Buy A Brick' campaign to fund memorial

The Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 198 of Northern Nevada has initiated a fund-raising campaign to help pay for construction of a memorial at Riverview Park in east Carson City.

Named the "Nevada Complex," the area is designated for one of the last major battles of the Korean War, which depicted four hills as Carson, Reno, Elko and Las Vegas. The battle for the Nevada Complex took place May 29-June 4, 1953.

The association is selling bricks measuring 4-by-8-by-21Ú4 inches for $50 each, which includes engraving, installation, shipping and handling. The brick provides for three lines of 20 characters including spaces, to be printed with the veteran's name, rating/rank, branch of service and dates served.

Bricks sold are for any man or woman who served in Korea from 1953 to present. The bricks will be embedded in concrete around the base of the monument.

Orders are requested before April 10 to be placed in time for the public dedication. Orders will be accepted on an on-going basis after that.

"There is no better way to honor a Korean War veteran or to memorialize one who was a casualty of the war than by buying a brick in their name," said Richard Hyde, chapter president.

Orders may be placed by sending a check or money order for $50 to the Korean War Veterans Association 198, P.O. Box 20666, Carson City, 89721. Included should be the name of the veteran, branch of service, rank and dates served. A confirmation slip for each order will be sent upon receipt of payment.

Estimated cost of construction of the memorial park is $14,000. The chapter wants to hold a public dedication on or about Memorial Day, May 30.

"Two plaques will be placed at the center of the memorial," Hyde added. "One will be the description of the Nevada Complex, the other will list the 34 names of those from Nevada killed in action or missing.

"We thank everyone for their consideration of a veteran. Remember, the price of freedom is not free."

n Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

In salute

What: Buy A Brick campaign to fund Nevada Complex memorial at Riverview Park

When: Before April 10 (for dedication); orders will be accepted after that date

Who: Korean War Veterans Association 198, P.O. Box 20666, Carson City, 89721

Call: 882-3496 or 246-3767