The service of United States veterans is a tradition, a legacy. The passing of that responsibility from one member of the brotherhood to the next, from one generation to a successor, represents a continuum.

That understated, unwavering physical presence is commemorated, remembered and celebrated locally by the Veterans Monument of ELANCO.

"It reminds me of all the local veterans who volunteered to join branches of the military to defend our freedom," said Dave Stern, president of the Veterans Monument of ELANCO foundation. "When I look at it, I feel pride, sadness and grief."

"The experience is highly personal, and there's a mixture of emotions at the area," said Dale Mendenhall, treasurer of the foundation. "There are also feelings of peace and connection. We feel it represents pride and patriotism."

In late October, the foundation, which maintains the patriotic memorial located at 400 E. Jackson St., New Holland, added two new commemorative plaques to the existing five that were already part of the Veterans Monument of ELANCO. Added were a 17-inch circular plaque inscribed "1945 Cold War Service 1991" and a 17-inch square plaque commemorating the United States' war on terrorism campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan and recognizing the service of every branch of the military.

To mount the new cast bronze plaques, holes were drilled into the granite on one side of the octagon memorial; the plaques were then attached with epoxy.

"We didn't want to put the names of deceased veterans on them because we didn't want to miss anyone," said Stern, himself a 10-year Army veteran. "A lot of veterans came back, but some didn't. They took the time; they volunteered and fought for our country. We appreciate that."

The two new plaques were created by Art Design Group, a Lancaster business that specializes in memorials, sculptures, awards and public art. The foundation raised funds for the plaques for years through community donations and benefit bingos.

"It was expensive," said Stern. "All I'll say is that it was less than $10,000."

"It's good to honor our veterans because we wouldn't have the freedoms we have today if it wasn't for them," said Ann Brill, the secretary of Veterans Monument of ELANCO and a resident of New Holland.

Constructed in the 1980s in New Holland Community Memorial Park, the Veterans Monument of ELANCO was officially dedicated in 1990 and then restored in 2013. The eight-sided monument is accented by three benches and illuminating poles flying "Old Glory" and the POW/MIA flag.

The monument's original five plaques honor sacrifices made in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam and by the six branches of the military - Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force and Army.

"It's basically a timeline," said Stern, a resident of New Holland. "The monument is not focused on just one era."

"It's a really nice monument," said Mendenhall, a resident of New Holland. "I think all of it matches really well. It's our job to maintain it and make sure it's maintained. Some of the projects are bigger, and some are just maintenance. Dave's really good at checking on it and checking in."

Atkins Deck Treatment Service of Leola donates time and energy to pressure-wash the Veterans Monument of ELANCO, while B.J. Baldwin Electric of Narvon donates services and materials to keep the memorial's lighting and electrical system bright and shining. Stern raises and lowers the flags as needed and replaces them every year.

The monument is also decorated for various holidays.

"I wouldn't say it's difficult to maintain," said Stern. "It's just keeping up with things."

"It's honoring (veterans) and their personal sacrifices," said Mendenhall. "It acknowledges the value of their duty and honors them, even when their service is complete."

Stern, Mendenhall and Brill are all active members of New Holland American Legion Post 662. But the Legion is not directly associated with the Veterans Monument of ELANCO.

"I came from a military family," said Stern. "When I went in, it seemed like a career choice. It feels like you're part of something bigger and you're defending our nation. I'd say people are acknowledging our service. Veterans are getting more respect than they used to get, and I want to see that continue."