The dedication of a new wall and bronze plaques at Heroes' Overlook on Veterans Day, reported by Greg Gelpi Nov. 12, is the culmination of an almost five-year effort.

As Capt. Ted Hussey said a few weeks ago about the memorial plaque for the late Mayor Charles DeVaney, ours was "a venture in persistence, an education in the workings of the Augusta government."

The original wall at the Overlook and its plaques were dedicated in 1994. Over the years, several other plaques were added, completely filling the available space. When further research revealed that there were more Augusta heroes who deserved recognition, the need for more wall space became obvious.

The Augusta Richmond County Historical Society (ARCHS) is delighted to have the project completed. We recognize the full cooperation and support of the city of Augusta, and we wish to thank Mayor Deke Copenhaver and the Augusta Commission for approving construction of the new wall.

We also thank Fred Russell, city administrator, who guided us through the approval and authorization process; George Patty, city planning and zoning department, for assistance with the permitting phase; and Rick Acree, Stephen Fowler, B.J. Rucker, and their co-workers in the public services department for supervising construction, mounting the plaques, cleaning the Overlook area and even painting the guardrails.

ARCHS member Tom Robertson and his associate Mary Beth Robinson of Cranston Engineering Group provided the design pro bono. S. Herbert Elliot of Elliott Sons Funeral Homes made possible the acquisition of the new plaques, assisted by Mark S. Jones and Pat Garrett of his staff and Harold Van Duyn of Hillcrest Memorial Park. We owe them all a sincere "Thank you and well done."

Besides them, I commend President Susan Jordan, past presidents Dr. Bob Nesbit and Bonnie Given, the ARCHS board of directors, and Executive Director Judy McAlhany for their wholehearted support through the years, and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tom Sutherland for conducting a dignified, patriotic dedication ceremony.

Russell K. Brown, Project Director, Grovetown