The quest for a veterans memorial on St. Paul's West Side reaches a milestone Thursday with a groundbreaking ceremony at Harriet Island.

The American Veterans - Mexican American Post No. 5 has sought a memorial for almost a decade.

"The veterans of our post and throughout St. Paul will finally have a memorial that they can be proud of," memorial committee chair Michael Medina said.

The $265,000 project is being funded primarily through grants and private donations.

The project will be called the American Veterans Memorial - Plaza de Honor. It will be built near the great lawn along the river walk on Harriet Island, across from downtown St. Paul.

The memorial will provide a large gathering spot surrounded by several flagpoles.

The dedication program, open to the public, starts at 11 a.m.

ROCHELLE OLSON