MOUNT VERNON — State and local veterans officials were in Mt. Vernon this week to thank Lowes for their contribution to the local Veterans Memorial project.

According to former Mt. Vernon Mayor David Keen, the Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park broke ground in 2001. Since that time, Lowes Manager Traci Reed and her store have donated both products and manpower to the Memorial efforts.

Keen says Lowes recently donated manpower and landscaping materials to go around the railing they had previously donated and installed.

He brought this to the attention of Marty Conatser, the Adjutant for the Illinois American Legion, who along with Keen, Mt. Vernon American Legion Commander Danny Dale, and Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis on Thursday presented certificates of appreciation for Reed and her crew.

Mayor Lewis thanked the local retailer for their consistent support of American veterans and veterans’ causes, and he praised Keen for his tireless work on behalf of area vets.