“It’s up,” said Laurie McCollum, who has been working for months to coordinate a new veteran’s mural by artist David Merrill. And, “it’s amazing,” she said. The mural is now covered and hanging in the Newtown Municipal Center, awaiting its unveiling at a small ceremony on November 9 at 11 am.

Since April 2012 Mr Merrill has designed and painted the mural, which contains the names of Newtown’s men and women who have served in the Armed Forces since 1971. An earlier remembrance for those who served prior to 1971 is in Edmond Town Hall. Looking forward to the unveiling and the culmination of  much hard work, she said, “I can’t believe it’s almost over. We have put so much into this.”

Following the unveiling, light refreshments will be served at the VFW Post 308 on Freedom Defenders Way. Welcomed to the ceremony are merchants who made donations for fundraisers, residents who have donated generously, and veterans and residents, she said.

Last April, Ms McCollum and Project Newtown Troops and Veterans committee members had commissioned Mr Merrill to create the artworkLaurieM30@sbcglobal.net.. Residents interested in adding a veteran’s name to the project or making a contribution can send an e-mail to Ms McCollum at