By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

DEERFIELD TWP. - This Warren County community breaks ground tonight on a memorial to honor those who have fought for America.

The Deerfield Honors Veterans Park groundbreaking and fund-raiser kicks off at 6 p.m. Guest speaker is former Bengals star Anthony Munoz.

Plans for the memorial, at Cottell Park, Snider and Irwin Simpson roads, include a statue, tetrahedral and flagpole surrounded by flowers and a pathway.

Personalized bricks, starting at $35, will line the walkways and plaza in the memorial.

"Freedom's not free," township Trustee Bill Morand said. "It's important to recognize that everything we have should not be taken for granted. People sacrificed for that. We have to give thanks for those people."

Plans for the project began more than a year ago. The park should be complete by Memorial Day.

The township is also paying tribute to veterans with its Living Memorial. The 5-foot-tall wrought-iron memorial, which includes a plaque and ivory, was dedicated in May.

Deerfield is one of several Greater Cincinnati communities paying tribute to veterans. A veterans memorial in Mason should be done in November.

If you go

What: Deerfield Honors Veterans Park event

When: Starts at 6 p.m. tonight with hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and comments by Anthony Munoz. Groundbreaking and dedication are at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Snyder House at Cottell Park, 5847 Irwin Simpson Road

Tickets: $35, available at the door

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com