Scott Stearman

GREENFIELD, INDIANA -- A Colorado sculptor today installed a statue of a kneeling soldier at the new Hancock County Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Greenfield.

The park is a vision that has become reality sooner than planners even had hoped.

Organizers raised $240,000 from private donations in about a year's time.

"With this economy, we couldn't have picked a worse time to raise funds so it has been unbelievable," said Rick Walker, an Army veteran who helped plan the park.

"It's fully funded," said Walker, 60, Greenfield. "I would have never thought we could have had this thing fully funded by now."

Sculptor Scott Stearman this morning installed the statue he was commissioned to create for the park.

"Years from now, no one will remember who I am," Stearman said. "But they will remember the sacrifice of sons and daughters and mothers and fathers and all those who, when our country needed them, said, 'I'll go.' It's a small thing I do, but it's a huge honor for me as someone who stays home while others are fighting our country's battles."

People can buy granite bricks bearing the names of veterans for a walkway in the park. Each 8-by-9-inch brick will cost $300 while 4-by-9-inch bricks are $100 each. The money collected will be used to help maintain the park.

The Greenfield Parks Department will maintain the property to honor all veterans.

Organizers plan an opening ceremony for the park on May 8.