American Legion Auxiliary Post 88 War Memorial and Grounds upgrade in Donelson Village

We have all driven by the War Memorial on Lebanon Road opposite Bluefields Entrance. It not only represents the memory of those who have died or were injured fighting for their country but it is also a welcoming entrance area to Donelson Village.

So it is exciting to be able to share an update of the following improvements and upgrade to the War Memorial with efforts being led Brian McClanahan of the American Legion Post 88 and the Donelson Girls Scout Troop 391/1421. By all accounts this is also great step forward in the revitalization of Donelson Village.

Here is a summary of what you will be seeing happening in the upcoming months.

Improvements to the American Legion Auxiliary Post 88 War Memorial and Grounds

We are currently working with Home Depot in Hermitage to place a bid with their corporate office to donate much of the supplies and labor needed for this project. Our post has been blessed to have been awarded grants from the Home Depot Corporation in the past and look forward to continued association with them.

1. New POW/MIA & 4 DOD Service FLAGS to be installed.

Logistics required to determine minimum distance required from the utility pole and roadway. The flag poles will need to be set 2 feet into the ground so we will need to verify with TN One Call for gas/water lines, etc.

2. The Monument

The monument will be cleaned and structurally checked.  The loosened "hearth" stone at the foot of the monument will be reattached. A stone floor will be laid encircling the monument to aid in preventing future damage from mowers.

3. Poppy Flower Bed

Poppies and Tennessee Iris' has already been erected on the grounds in front of the monument (as a Girl Scout project for the Silver Award-2nd highest award-by Donelson Troop 391/1421).  The height of this bed will be reduced by one layer of block reducing the profile of the bed to approximately 25 inches above ground level and preserving the full view of the monument.

We plan on putting landscape fabric in the bottom of the bed and plastic on the inside walls to prevent dirt from coming out between the blocks and weeds growing through them.  The bed will have mood lighting with a dozen or more solar lights placed in the bed at flower top height.

4. The Walkway

We are planning an ADA compliant path of large stepping stones laid edge to edge​ of a similar color as the stacked block bed.  The path will go from the monument to the bed, around the bed on the Old Lebanon Pike side, to the American Flag pole and with at least one extension toward the Old Lebanon Pike curb.

5. The American Flag Pole 

Improve/fix damaged edging around the flag pole island, paint edging white. - Move lighting fixtures inside the protective edging to avoid damage. Clear and line bottom of rock bed, clean/replace river rock stone within flag pole edging.

6. Electrical & Lighting

 Run underground electrical conduit from one of the utility poles on the property to provide for lighting of the five flag poles and both the front and back of the monument. If this could be done from the utility pole closest to the monument it would save cost & time. Electrical lines will have to be laid by hiring an electrician at the cost of the American Legion. Hopefully we can have this work donated to the Legion or the city/NES will provide this under some provision for community improvement.

7. Water Access

There is a water cover on the property just east of the utility pole near mid-property, along the Old Lebanon Pike edge. We would like to run a water line, with a locking bib, to the poppy bed for watering the flowers during high temperatures or drought conditions.  (Additionally we are considering a future water feature nearby or associated with the Poppy Bed.) Water lines and plumbing work will have to be accomplished by a plumber at the cost of the American Legion. Hopefully we can have this work donated to the Legion or the city/Metro Water Services will provide this under some provision for community improvement.

8. Grass and Trees

Home Depot will aerate and spread 50 pounds of grass seed and fertilizer on the property to improve the overall appearance of the memorial. The Auxiliary wishes to plant a Dogwood Tree on the property, likely west of the flower bed.

For more information about this exiciting project (or to get involved as a volunteer or to donate to this project)- please contact:

Brian McClanahan
American Legion Post 88
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615-397-6196_