Cobb Veterans Outraged as Commissioner Plans to Block Memorial Funding

August 24, 2025

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Earlier this week at the American Legion in Marietta, veterans from across Cobb County gathered for what they hoped would be an encouraging update on the long-awaited Cobb Veterans Memorial. Instead, they left stunned and outraged.

Donna Rowe, President and CEO of the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation, addressed Georgia Vietnam Veterans about the project’s status. She detailed how, despite years of planning, fundraising, and even prior approval from the Cobb County Commission, the future of the memorial is suddenly in jeopardy.

According to Rowe, at a recent meeting held with memorial foundation members and newly elected District 2 Commissioner Erick Allen, Allen made it clear he will vote NO on moving the memorial forward. For the estimated 60,000 veterans who call Cobb County home, this was a bitter blow. Many left the meeting asking the same question: why would a county commissioner choose to disregard the sacrifice and service of so many men and women who wore the uniform?

Donna Rowe, President and CEO of the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation addresses GA Veterans on the status of Cobb's Memorial — *Donna Rowe, President and CEO of the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation addresses GA Veterans on the status of Cobb’s Memorial*

A Vision Delayed by Broken Promises

The memorial was first envisioned nearly a decade ago by former Cobb Commission Chairman Tim Lee, who assembled a committee of respected leaders including Major General James Banker, Commissioner Bob Ott, and County Manager David Hankerson. Together, they sought to create a permanent, dignified place of honor for all veterans.

The county approved Fairground Street as the site, selected Croft Engineering as the design firm, and endorsed the project with an initial plan of $3.5 million. The community responded with overwhelming support, raising more than $4.2 million in private donations, despite never being asked to take on that responsibility.

And yet, eight years later, the project has been delayed again and again. Promises of county funding have been made and then withdrawn. Costs have increased, only to be scaled back through revised plans. Still, the county stalls.

Veterans Deserve Better

Cobb’s veterans did not hesitate when their country called. They served in war zones and peacetime, carried burdens most will never understand, and defended the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Now, when it comes time for Cobb County to honor their service with the memorial that was promised, politics are getting in the way. The opposition from Commissioner Allen represents not only a vote against the memorial, but a vote against the very recognition veterans have earned.

It’s Time for Cobb Citizens to Act

Enough delays. Enough excuses. Cobb County must keep its promise to veterans. Citizens must make their voices heard now, before it’s too late.

Here’s what you can do today:

Contact Your Commissioner – Call and email your district commissioner and tell them to vote YES on funding the Cobb Veterans Memorial.
Show Up in Person – Attend the next Cobb County Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 26th to show your support.
Sign the Petition – The Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation has started an online petition to raise awareness and support for the memorial, show your support by signing up today,

SIGN THE PETITION HERE.

Standing With Our Veterans

This memorial isn’t just stone and steel, it’s a symbol of gratitude, sacrifice, and honor. Cobb County veterans have waited long enough. It’s time for county leaders to put politics aside and do what’s right.

The people of Cobb must now stand united and demand action. The message to our leaders should be simple: Honor our heroes. Fund the memorial. Keep your promise.

This is an evolving story, check back with Cobb Voice for the latest updates.