The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation hosted an event on March 10 at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club to benefit the Foundation’s educational outreach programs. The sellout crowd enjoyed a delicious dinner, followed by the wonderful entertainment of Gerard Esposito, an Atlantic City headliner.

The Foundation's outreach programs sponsor annual field trips to the memorial for all fifth-grade students in Worcester County. Each student also receives a student activity booklet to take home, encouraging further discussions.

"This event directly benefits our educational outreach programs," Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said. "We feel this is one of most important things that the Foundation does, and that all children should realize the sacrifices veterans have made to protect our freedoms."

The Foundation recently released a video about the memorial, its mission, and the educational program for students.

During the Yacht Club fundraising event, Matt Ortt, whose company manages the Ocean Pines Association food and beverage venues, presented a $1,000.00 donation to the Foundation.

Ortt Donates to Vets Matt Ortt makes donation to Veterans Memorial Foundation. Video provided by OPA board member Stuart Lakernick.

Visit OPVETS.ORG for information about becoming involved with the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines. The original plan was to erect a single lighted flag pole to display the American flag. However, during early meetings of the memorial committee, the idea of a veterans memorial began to emerge. By the Spring of 2004, the committee had chosen a location and decided on a tentative design. The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors generously agreed to donate the land and the final design was approved in August 2004.

Thanks to tremendous community support, generous donations and the sale of inscribed bricks and pavers, the Memorial was completed on schedule.

Over 3,000 people attended the dedication on Memorial Day, May 30, 2005.

Visit OceanPines Forum Image Gallery - Memorial to view over 300 images related to the Veterans Memorial over a period of nearly two decades, beginning with images of committee meetings prior to actual construction, as well as images during construction.

In many ways, the Memorial represents the heart and soul of the Ocean Pines Community.