Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District will continue accepting name submissions to be engraved on the granite plaque at Rancho Tapo Community Park Veteran’s Plaza until Aug. 25, officials said.

Although the original deadline to have a veteran’s name submitted has passed, the park district is still taking names for additional plaques that will include groups of 15 names per plaque. The cost to have the name of a veteran or a supporter engraved at the Plaza is $200.

"The Veteran’s Plaza is truly beautiful and moving to see," said Colleen Janssen, supervisor of marketing and volunteers for Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District.

The Plaza is the brainchild of veteran Dick Hlebasko and several other veterans who approached the district more than a dozen years ago requesting a way to honor those who have fallen in war. Hlebasko said he’s been working on the idea for veterans for the past 20 years.

The $1.65 million tribute features sculptures and fountains and granite slabs engraved with the names of those who’ve served in the military. Nearby, a wall of wrought iron depicts several historic battle scenes, from the American Revolution to Desert Storm.

The Plaza also includes a reflecting pond, a grassy amphitheater and a ceremonial circle that includes four memorial monuments. In addition, the plaza is decorated with seven flagpoles; one for each branch of the military, the U.S., California and P.O.W. flags, and a central statue art piece of an eagle poised to take flight. There also is a curved wrought iron filigree wall depicting veterans in action.

At its entrance, four lighted stone pilasters, each with engraved granite plaques greet guest to the plaza. Additional smaller pilasters were recently added for the inclusion of more names. Once the project is complete there will be a total of 1,400 veterans and donor names.

The names submitted so far will be up for viewing at a dedication ceremony scheduled for Nov., 11 at 11 a.m., which is Veteran’s Day.

For additional information on the Veteran’s Plaza and the submission of names please call Janssen at 584-4453.