If someone wanted to write a business case about how a well-intended idea could lose its way, the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation (CVMF) project would be an excellent case study.
We served as volunteers with CVMF for several years and saw first-hand the lack of support and clarity from our county and city leadership. The target continued to move and little resources were ever provided. The program has stayed relevant strictly by the tenacity of those who continue to serve on the board. Beyond Joann Birrell and to an extent Lisa Cupid, Cobb County and the City of Marietta leadership looked like a flag blowing in the wind many times when it came to this project. Admittedly, there were some roadblocks that none of us could imagine. Notably, we went through the COVID crisis and the period of time when statues were being destroyed that paralyzed many in leadership. This was actually the most disheartening thing for us as veterans, who were actually willing to put our lives on the line for this country. We instead had to watch leaders in the county and city, who wouldn’t even risk their political careers or status, to fight for this monument. It definitely took some wind out of our Navy sails.
Ten years ago a unanimous commissioners’ vote to fully fund the Memorial took place. Let’s say that again — it was only 10 years ago that we could put aside partisanship and recognize one of the greatest strengths of our nation; the willingness of brave young men and women to fight to defend it and its ideals. Our elected leaders saw that we, as a community with over 60,000 veterans, needed to have a place to recognize that amazing fact, and also a place to thank and support those who serve and inspire future generations to lives of service.