CARMEL – Some of the names of the town’s veterans are missing on a town memorial, the result of rotting wood in the casing of the structure. To members of the Carmel-Etna American Legion Post 107, it’s no longer a fitting tribute to the local residents who went to war and made sacrifices for their country.

The Legion post is hoping to change that and leave a more permanent reminder of what the Carmel veterans have done.

The veterans memorial – a roughly 15-foot-long, 6-foot-high structure – is located between the town’s library and the historical society. It’s not as visible and doesn’t attract attention as much as it should, said Bob Hargreaves, the sergeant-at-arms for the Legion post. And Hargreaves, who served 33 years in the U.S. Air Force, said it’s weatherworn and not up to date, with some of the veterans’ names missing.

The effort to replace it has begun, although it still is very early in the process. Hargreaves estimated that it would cost $8,000 to $10,000 to complete. The post also will look to see if there is federal or state funding to assist with the cost. Post members aren’t asking for donations as no accounts have been set up to take them.

Also undecided is what the memorial will look like. Hargreaves plans to visit 10 to 15 other municipalities to see how they have done their memorials. One suggestion would have a commemorative brass plate affixed to granite, with the names of the veterans placed on a board that could be displayed elsewhere, such as in the town offices.