Honor a Veteran
Help us preserve a veteran’s story.
Plaque reservations are now open for eligible veterans connected to Lakeside. Veterans, families, and authorized representatives may submit preliminary information to begin eligibility review while also helping preserve the veteran’s story for the digital Veteran Honor Library.
Plaque reservations are now open. Submitting a request begins the review process but does not guarantee eligibility, approval, placement, or publication. Approved applicants will receive a $600 invoice, and the reservation becomes final after payment.
Who may express interest
The Board’s current direction prioritizes veterans with a meaningful Lakeside connection and qualifying military service. Final definitions, documentation standards, exceptions, and the formal eligibility decision process remain subject to Board approval.
- A living veteran interested in being honored
- A family member or authorized representative submitting on a veteran’s behalf
- A family member wishing to honor a deceased veteran
- A community member who wants program updates before applications open
Proof of Military Service and Discharge
After the preliminary review, applicants will be required to provide official military separation or discharge documentation showing the veteran’s branch and dates of service and character of discharge. DD Form 214 is the most common document, but equivalent official separation or discharge records may also be accepted.
Begin by submitting the online plaque reservation form. Do not include military records with the initial request. After the preliminary review, applicants will receive a reference number and instructions for mailing a photocopy of the veteran’s DD Form 214 or other accepted official separation or discharge document. Do not mail original documents.
Before mailing the copy, redact Social Security numbers, service numbers, birth dates, home addresses, and other private information. The veteran’s name, branch of service, service dates, and character of discharge must remain visible for verification.
Submitted documentation will be used only to verify eligibility. The organization will retain a verification record and securely destroy the submitted copy after review.
Veterans and eligible next of kin of deceased veterans who do not have the necessary documentation may request military service records from the National Archives.
Information the preliminary form will request
About the submitter
- Name, email, and telephone number
- Relationship to the veteran
- Preferred method of contact
- Areas of interest, including plaque updates, biography, oral history, volunteering, or sponsorship
About the veteran
- Full name, military branch, and rank
- Approximate service years
- Unit, assignments, conflict, campaign, or awards
- Connection to Lakeside
- Optional draft biography and photograph
Preparing a biography
A preliminary biography may be approximately 100 to 200 words. It should be factual, respectful, and written in a dignified tone. The physical plaque will contain limited service information; the biography will provide the fuller story for the digital Veteran Honor Library.
- Military service, assignments, conflicts, campaigns, and awards
- Connection to Lakeside and the surrounding community
- Post-service work, family life, volunteerism, or public service
- A personal reflection that helps visitors understand the veteran’s life and legacy
Do not submit sensitive records at this stage. Please do not provide discharge papers, Social Security numbers, financial information, home addresses, medical information, or other private documents. If documentation is later required, the Board will provide separate secure instructions.
What happens next
- A veteran, family member, or representative submits the plaque reservation form without sending payment or sensitive documentation.
- Program representatives follow up with eligibility requirements and secure instructions for supporting records.
- Eligibility, service information, and the veteran’s Lakeside connection are reviewed.
- An approved applicant receives a $600 invoice and secure payment instructions.
- The reservation becomes final after payment, and the applicant reviews the plaque proof and any approved digital profile before production or publication.
Reserve a Plaque
Submit this form to begin a plaque reservation for an eligible veteran. The planned price for each black engraved granite plaque is $600, covering plaque production and helping support future memorial maintenance. No payment is collected with this form. Program representatives will review the preliminary information, explain the documentation process, and invoice approved applicants. A reservation becomes final only after eligibility approval and payment.
Protect private information: Do not submit discharge papers, Social Security numbers, financial or medical information, home addresses, original photographs, or other sensitive records through this form. Secure instructions will be provided if documentation is required.
Lakeside Veterans Wall of Honor 