Veterans' memorial to be built

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Capitol of Texas Vietnam War Monument at Capitol of Texas in Austin is set Jan. 31 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Tet Offensive.

An unveiling and dedication of the monument is slated for May 2010, the 35th anniversary of the official end of the Vietnam War.

Action by the 79th Texas Legislature allows for a monument to be built on Capitol grounds to honor Texans who fought in the Vietnam War and served from 1954-1975.

Duke Sundt, a New Mexico artist, was selected to sculpt the piece. Sundt has works showing at a gal- lery near Austin and teaches classes in Fredericksburg.

Sundt has been sculpting and casting his work in bronze since 1973.

A fund-raising campaign is under way to cover the approximate project cost of $1 million, and will offer several small items for purchase.

To support the effort, send a check or money order payable to "Capitol of Texas Vietnam Veterans Monument Committee" to Robert Floyd, Capitol of Texas Vietnam Veterans Monument Committee, 111 Congress Ave., Suite 500, Austin, TX 78701.