There have been enough name lines purchased to pave the way for the first stone in the Golden Belt Veterans Memorial, it was reported to the Barton County Commission Monday morning. In fact, Road and Bridge Director Dale Phillips said there are enough to spill over onto the second marker.

Officials hope to hold a dedication for the first on Veterans Day this coming November.

At $45 per line, 540 had to be sold before the first stone could be ordered. Some entries take more than one line.

Located in Golden Belt Memorial Park on NW 50 Road north of Great Bend, the memorial was officially dedicated in May 2014.

The names of Barton County veterans’ will be inscribed on two stone tablets that will flank a center obelisk, which has already been installed. In addition to the stones, there are flags representing the branches of service, including Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Merchant Marines (who received veterans status for the years 1942-46).

The first name to be placed on the stone markers will be that of the late County Commissioner Don Cates, a veteran and a pilot who died in an agricultural spray plane crash in April 2014.

Qualifications to be included are proof that the veteran was at least at one time a Barton County residency and an honorable discharge from the military. The veteran can be living or deceased, and active-duty service members are also eligible.

Local sculpture Chet Cale designed and is building the monument.

Those wanting to purchase a spot on the memorial can bring their payments to the Barton County Administrator’s Office in room 107 of the courthouse at 1400 Main in Great Bend. For more information, call 620-793-1800.

Checks must be made payable to Barton County.