A new memorial at American Legion Post 141 in Bayview will don the names of Whidbey veterans who lost their lives serving their country.

American Legion officials say the memorial has been a missing piece on South Whidbey for some time.

“I realized there wasn’t anything that really represented the veterans on the island at that post,” Post Commander David McCammon said. “Seeing other legions around the world and in the U.S, I thought it needed a memorial to commemorate Whidbey’s fallen soldiers.”

The memorial consists of a central concrete star and a four-foot tall bronze fallen soldier cross, which is yet to be completed. Five pillars provide a backdrop to the star and fallen soldier cross, representing what McCammon calls the five major wars: World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Gulf War. Six service flags will stand behind the pillars, representing the various armed forces.

Whidbey veterans who died in the wars will have their names etched on the pillar. McCammon said the legion is still compiling a list of those who perished.

“I believe it’s a good cause, and these members who fought for us deserve the monument and the recognition on that wall,” McCammon said.

The memorial is in the construction process, although the American Legion is still seeking funds to complete it. McCammon says the legion has been collecting money from legion members, and are hoping to raise “a little over” $4,000 to complete the fallen soldier cross.

McCammon says those who would like to donate can write a check to the American Legion of come by the post. Collection pots are located inside the post.