News
Governor Rell announces design competition for statewide veterans memorial in Rocky Hill
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Feb 26, 2010 - 1:28 PM

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the design competition for Connecticut’s first statewide memorial to honor all state veterans will open for submissions starting today with a deadline for entries slated for Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. The state veterans’ memorial will be located on a grassy meadow adjacent to the Col. Raymond F. Gates State Veterans Cemetery, which is across from the State Veterans Home on West Street in Rocky Hill. A groundbreaking is expected later this spring or summer with a dedication ceremony to be held by the end of the year.

The Connecticut State Veterans Memorial design competition is open to Connecticut residents, artists, architects, landscape architects and resident/non-resident students who are enrolled in Connecticut institutions of higher learning. Submissions are welcome from those who can fulfill all of the submission requirements. All entry rules, instructions and site photos are available at www.cthonorsvets.org or by e-mailing president@cthonorsvets.org.

“Throughout the history of our nation, more than 1.3 million Connecticut citizens have served in defense of our country’s peace and freedom,” said Governor Rell. “The Connecticut State Veterans Memorial will be a central, dignified place to pay honor to State heroes and heroines of the past, honor the veterans of today and demonstrate the deep appreciation we hold for their service for generations to come.”

“We will need financial support from individuals, businesses and veterans’ service organizations from across the state to make the creation of this memorial a reality. Connecticut responded with overwhelming financial support when we brought 700 troops home for the holidays in December. I am confident the citizens of this great state will respond with the same generous support, particularly when it comes to honoring our veterans who never made it home after serving our country.”

Governor Rell announced the effort to build a statewide memorial in November 2008 and provided $100,000 in seed money through capital funding to help support its initial design and construction. The Governor also appointed an advisory committee, chaired by Department of Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Dr. Linda Schwartz, to advise her on the development of the memorial.

To contribute to this effort, checks and money orders should be made payable to Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, Inc. and mailed to: Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, Inc., c/o Rockville Bank, P.O. Box 660, Rockville, CT 06066. Donations can also be made online at www.cthonorsvets.org.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS REGARDING THE DESIGN COMPETITION

The spirit and goal of the Connecticut State Veterans Memorial

Design competition includes the following:

· To create a lasting physical memorial to honor Connecticut veterans past, present and future;

· To draw upon the talents of Connecticut artists, architects, and landscape architects to identify design concepts for an inspiring “memorial expression” that celebrates the men and women who served and memorialize those who gave their lives;

· To select a design that will serve as a focal point and significant icon which illustrates the high regard, respect and esteem the citizens of Connecticut have for the men and women who have defended the rights and freedoms so cherished by this nation;

· To provide a place of honor and tribute for the men and women who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States;

· To raise awareness of the contributions made by the veterans of the State; and

· To establish a central site for the State of Connecticut to conduct official observances, activities and ceremonies to honor veterans including Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Design proposals must consider the size of the site, topography, sub-soil conditions, lighting, accessibility, parking, and pedestrian approach. A site elevation plan also is posted on www.cthonorsvets.org

The winner of the Connecticut State Veterans Memorial competition will be required to work with architects, engineers and construction firms to develop the final design plans and specifications for bidding. Entrants must provide a preliminary concept design-level construction estimate for the realization of the design. This should include estimated fabrication, installation, landscaping and completion costs exclusive of land acquisition and maintenance. This budget should also include any consultant fees required by the designer for the construction phase of the Memorial.

Completed proposals, including presentation boards, a three-ring binder and CD, as listed in the official entry rules, must be sent or delivered (and received no later than April 14, 2010 at 3 p.m.) to:

Connecticut State Veterans Memorial
c/o Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism
One Constitution Plaza, Second Floor
Hartford, CT 06103

The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about the Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, including how to make a donation, and entry rules for the design competition, visit www.cthonorsvets.org or by e-mailing president@cthonorsvets.org.

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