More than 1,000 men and women from the Manheim area served in World War II, and now you can honor that service. The Manheim Veterans Memorial Committee is selling engraved bricks for a Path of Honor walkway at the memorial, which is set to be unveiled on Veterans Day.

"We have been overwhelmed by the public's support of our efforts, particularly their interest in honoring the service of veterans with memorial bricks," said George Schwartz, chair of the committee, noting that the committee is advocating for more recognition of the Greatest Generation. "We offer a discounted brick just for World War II veterans, and we can help brick donors pick individuals from the list."

Schwartz noted that three people have been especially generous in supporting the project. Manheim resident Susan Wettig purchased some bricks for family members, but when she heard about the World War II effort, she had her grandsons and their friends pick names from the list, and she has purchased more bricks. "One of her grandsons is dedicating a brick for Richard Connelly, who was killed in action on the USS Arizona during Pearl Harbor, making him the first Manheim resident to be killed in action," Schwartz stated. "Her total brick purchases are now over $1,000."

Local business owners Chris and Jan Marie Blouch, who operate Cabal's Lair in Manheim, have also purchased $1,000 worth of bricks specifically honoring World War II veterans.

The Blouches first purchased one brick for a veteran plus a larger brick for their business after learning about the project earlier this year. They soon decided to honor even more veterans, and they asked Schwartz for the list, selecting names based on their own preferred lucky numbers.

"We thought it might be a nice way to get the word out and maybe get other people or businesses in the local area to do the same," Jan Marie remarked. "I just believe that every fallen soldier deserves to have their name mentioned. ... It was important for us to step in and help out a little bit and honor those who put their lives on the line for our freedom."

So far, about 400 bricks have been purchased for the 1,000 World War II veterans, Schwartz said. The project will be ongoing as long as there is space for engraved bricks in the walkway.

"We consider everyone who purchases a brick to be enlisted in the 'Baron Brick Brigade,'" he said. "Anyone who joins the Brick Brigade can also request a certificate that we will email to them. Some people purchase a brick as a gift, and this provides them with something they can present to a veteran."

For more information or to purchase a brick, visit https://manheimveteransmemorial.org/donate-a-memorial-brick. To order a certificate after purchasing a brick, email MVMCHistorian@gmail.com. For more details, call Jim Williams at 717-341-2677.