MARK WAITE / PVT Jose Telles, a member of the veterans memorial advisory board, looks out at the site where a statue and waterfall could be built. Advertisement

A bronze statue of a soldier atop a waterfall and a colombarium for cremated remains are a couple of the suggestions for the veterans memorial park in the future, if the local advisory board members can raise the funds.

Both projects could cost $30,000, according to informal quotes solicited from vendors.

"We went to Boulder City a couple years ago, they had some beautiful statues there. I was thinking about a waterfall with a statue in our memorial," said Jose Telles, one of the board members.

The statue would portray a life-size soldier in full combat gear.

Telles said the statue would look like the soldier was guarding the memorial. It would be located at the rear of the multi-purpose room.

The colombarium would be built in the front of the community cemetery, facing East Street. It would consist of niches housing cremated remains.

Committee member Jim Scott said the board is looking at something made of black granite.

"When you're looking at it from somewhat of a distance it's almost like a mirror, and when you get closer the etchings come out," Scott said. "You could facilitate possibly even a couple hundred veterans and their families right away."

Right now Scott said veteran's families are spending expensive gas money to bury their loved ones at veterans cemeteries in Boulder City and Reno and visit the grave sites afterwards.

Though the name of the cemetery is the Pahrump Veterans Memorial, Scott said, "It doesn't mean it's for Pahrump veterans only, it just means it's in Pahrump."

Telles said one suggestion for a fundraiser could be "Spend A Day With A Veteran" at Petrack Park, with vendors donating some of the proceeds and entertainment. It could include a parade and a ceremony at the memorial.

A contribution wall has already been built at the memorial. Telles said people who donate $100 or above will have their names on a plaque.

Telles said he was impressed by people who already have volunteered their time, like a couple of high school students who donated two weekends to help them build the present memorial last spring, one of which has since joined the military. He thanked Alex Delgado, owner of Service Rock, who donated $8,000 worth of cement to pave the plaza where the flags stand. On the wall behind the flags are the seals of the different branches of the military.

Matt Luis first came up with the idea of the memorial. Telles said fellow U.S. Marine Corps veteran Larry Berquist drew up the designs. The veterans memorial park was dedicated over Memorial Day weekend in 2007.

"It's a work in progress," Scott said.

The multi-purpose room now sits empty. There were plans to put photos of the veterans on the wall. Telles said it will also be used for meetings.

A few benches will be installed for families to rest outside among the pine trees, Telles said. He's also spoken to the U.S. Army about getting an artillery piece to place at the entrance to the flagpole area and putting in some ornamental stone.

The veterans memorial advisory board meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month in the Pahrump town annex. Other board members include Terry Choyce, Ken Shockley, Ken Hoskins and Dr. Elliott Brainard.

In time, as plans come to fruition and funds become available, the Pahrump Veterans Memorial could be a first class tribute to the numerous veterans in Pahrump and surrounding communities.