Ground breaking ceremonies for construction of the OCALA/MARION COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK was held on March 16, 1997. The Park is located at 2601 South East, Fort King Street in Ocala, Florida on approximately 5 acres on the north end of the Marion County Governmental Complex and just east of Eckerd Drug Store. Construction for the Park began in March of 1997. The following are the Parks completed items; main office, south wall, Medal of Honor Monument, land beautification, Gazebo and the Park sign located at the east end of the Park. Current construction includes Department of Defense Monuments, Bandstand, seating area and the Veterans Memorial Court of Flags. (All 50 United States flags) As of January 24, 2003 a total of $553,255.87 has been received through contributions for the construction of the Park.   Contributions received are from the purchase of red and granite etched bricks, Park benches, wall plaques, T-shirts, hats, books, ribbons, sticker, pins and donations by the public, City of Ocala, local businesses, Veterans, and Civic organizations. Anyone wishing to donate a Veteran’s Burial Flag to be flown during Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies and other special events may bring it to the Park or Marion County Veterans Services Office. A Certificate of Donation with an identifying number will be given to the person donating the flag. As of January 24, 2003 improvements, operating, supplies, and equipment costs were $518,886.08. Park completion is expected within the next two years. Applications for the purchase of etched red or granite bricks, park benches, wall plaques and donations are available through the Park and Marion County Veterans Services Office located in the Marion County Government Complex at 111 SE 25th Avenue Ocala, FL, 34471-9179, or by calling (352)-620-3422 or at the Park by calling (352)-401-5346.