A Lakeland veteran has a new mission. He would like to see a monument built to honor war vets at the Griffin Cemetery on Sleepy Hill Road.

Kenny Weberman likes to visit old cemeteries and look at gravestones.

A few months ago, he walked through the Griffin Cemetery and noticed there were 37 war vets buried there.

"Three quarters of the way walking through the cemetery, I knew I was called upon to do a mission. I just knew it," he said.

Weberman is hoping to raise several thousand dollars for a monument with the names of each of the men.

"These people who are here at rest should never be forgotten. Never, ever," he said.


The cemetery is located on Sleepy Hill Road.

Weberman is a Vietnam War vet who felt so disrespected by anti-war protesters when he returned home that he burned his uniform.

"I mean, I felt embarrassed. I felt ashamed," he said. "I felt like I didn't do much for my country. I felt belittled. I felt bad."

He wants to make sure vets are always honored for their service.

Weberman said he has the cooperation of the city of Lakeland, which maintains the cemetery.

He said he also has the blessing of the owner of the private cemetery.

There is a GoFundMe page if you'd like to help. Just click here.

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