On Tuesday, the Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial was officially dedicated. A gazebo-like structure, the memorial incorporates walls of commemorative bricks honoring all Chautauqua County service men and women, many of whom have received the highest of military honors.

“There are 660 bricks, each with their own story of service,” said state Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown.

Two of the bricks have special meaning to him. The first one honors Goodell’s father, a World War II veteran. The second one honors his daughter Jessica, who served in Iraq with the Marine Corp.

Goodell was one of several current and former elected officials who either attended in person or issued proclamations in honor of Tuesday’s event.

Among those who spoke were former county executives Joe Gerace and Jack Glenzer, both veterans. While Gerace is a Democrat and Glenzer a Republican, the two men had great respect for one another.

“My friend Joe Gerace and I were political opponents but never enemies and I respect him. He did a great job as your county executive,” said Glenzer. “I’m proud to be a veteran. I’m proud to be here. I’m proud to live in Chautauqua County.”

Gerace, too, had kind words to say about Glenzer, the committee behind the memorial and all the veterans who have served our country.

“This memorial is truly a job well done. I’m sure it’s difficult for all of us to view this structure without feeling the impact of why it is here,” he said. “We veterans all have our own stories. Even though we served the same country we experienced our service individually.”

Gerace shared how he witnessed the atomic bomb test in Bikini Island. “This is my story, but there are so many more. I hope as a future part of this memorial we capture the experiences of men and women from this area, that will serve as a resource of those who come after us and so they remember,” he said.

Located in the Mayville cemetery on Route 430, the Chautauqua Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial was conceived by a volunteer group of residents from the village of Mayville and town of Chautauqua back in 2018. Groundbreaking took place two years ago. While the project was slowed by COVID-19, they were still able to complete the work.

The gazebo currently covers 660 cenotaph bricks on 14 interior walls. There are still spots for future bricks. Residents who want to purchase a brick in honor of county veterans may still do so. Visit the Chautauqua Hometown Heroes Memorial Facebook page for details.