BIDDEFORD — A wall to honor veterans will be unveiled next week at Volk Packaging in Biddeford.

Derek Volk, president of Volk Packaging spearheaded a project to build a Military Heroes Wall to honor those who have served, or are currently serving, in the armed forces of the United States.

“Our Wall is 50 feet long and almost 7 feet tall. It will honor 700 soldiers and sailors when full,” said Volk in a written statement.

People have submitted pictures and words to describe a loved one to be honored on granite tiles that are 8.5 inches high by 11 inches long.

An official ribbon-cutting at 11 Morin St., Biddeford at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6. All are welcome to attend.

Information that was submitted by May 25 will be on tiles at the grand unveiling, and after Wednesday’s event new tiles will go up monthly.

The cost per tile is $150, and the company is also accepting donations to sponsor those who wish to honor a loved one but can’t afford at tile.

A portion of the fees generated for the tiles will go toward the etching and the remaining money will be donated to the local Veterans of Foreign War programs.

Craig Pendleton, executive director of the Saco + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry, said the chamber was a proud sponsor of the Heroes Wall. He said his brother-in-law, Col. David M. Parquette, who served in Desert Storm and died in 1999 of heart failure, will be featured on one of the tiles.

“This is yet another outstanding humanitarian, loving and caring program by one of our Chamber members that will lift the hearts of our communities,” said Pendleton in an email.

For more information or to sponsor a tile for a hero or make a corporate donation,
visit www.volkboxes.com.

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