Miramar cemetery support foundation begins fundraising drive for amphitheater

The Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation launched a project Thursday, Aug. 20, to build an Armed Forces Memorial Amphitheater with permanent seating in the cemetery’s assembly area.

The foundation, which sponsors the Avenue of Flags as well as the Veterans Tribute Tower and Carillon and the annual veterans’ services at the cemetery, is working with cemetery leadership and the Veterans Affairs’s National Cemetery Administration on the design of the amphitheater.

The VA-required construction of the amphitheater and maintenance endowment are expected to cost between $450,000 and $500,000 – the largest project the Support Foundation has yet undertaken at Miramar National Cemetery.

No federal funds will be expended for the project.

“We’re dedicating our fifth annual ‘Virtual Gala’ fundraiser to the Armed Forces Memorial Amphitheater,” Charlie Inot, president and CEO of Support Foundation, said. “We’re asking corporations, members of veterans’ organizations and civic groups, as well as the public, to help make this vision for Miramar a reality through their generous contributions.”

The plan for the amphitheater includes long concrete benches arranged in a semi-circle within the existing flag assembly area. The benches would be fronted with stone, matching that used throughout the cemetery. Landscaping plans include artificial turf areas between the seating and around the amphitheater perimeter. The seating area is designed to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements by providing access and wheelchair spaces.

“To accommodate guests at our veterans services in the past, we’ve had to set up folding chairs in the flag assembly area,” Sallay Kim, vice president and gala chair of Support Foundation, said. “That’s not really satisfactory or comfortable for our guests, especially if the ground is too soft to properly support the chairs. Permanent seating would remedy that situation.”

Renderings of the amphitheater and information on contributing to the project can be found at http://www.gala.miramarcemetery.org.

“The successful addition of amphitheater seating at Miramar National Cemetery will benefit tens of thousands of veterans, their families, friends and the general public in future years. Hopefully, in gratitude for the service of all veterans, we will receive strong public support,” Denny Schoville, chairman of Support Foundation, said.

The fund drive will continue through the end of 2020.