Oregon Heritage, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, is now accepting grant applications for creating and refurbishing veterans and war memorials across the state. This was made public in a recent release, as local and regional governments, along with federally recognized Tribes, are invited to leverage these funds to honor their local veterans.

The grant process, which runs until January 31, 2025, will focus on projects on publicly owned properties and can cover up to 80 percent of a project’s cost. Applicants, however, will need to come up with a 10 percent match to secure a grant. One of the notable requirements for new monuments is that they are to recognize veterans and/or conflicts not previously honored in community tributes. For restorations, issues such as damage, missing elements, or necessary additions to current memorials are to be addressed.

For a proposal to be considered, it must include clear evidence of an active veteran organization's involvement and community support. These criteria aim to ensure that the resulting monuments resonate with those who served and the community at large, fostering a sense of shared remembrance and appreciation for service members' sacrifices.

Interested parties can find more details about the grant application process, including guidelines and submission forms, at the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. With the acknowledgment that these memorials will stand as a testament to the valor and the trials of those who bore the battle, Oregon Heritage encourages eligible communities and tribes to step forward by the specified deadline.