One week from now, Austin officials will be recognizing “Walk of Remembrance Day” as a remodel of the Mower County Veterans Memorial kicks off.

The planned remodel will replace the fountain with a statue and add bricks commemorating individual veterans — the first substantial renovations to the memorial since its 1992 dedication.

On Monday, the city council motioned to support the memorial makeover.

The Mower County Veterans War Memorial Committee will be privately funding the remodel by selling the commemorative pavers for $300 each.

They hope to sell 1,056 of these, with each noting a veteran’s name and details of service.

Norman Hecimovich, a committee member and former councilman, told the city council Monday that a veteran would not have to be from the city or county to be remembered.

“We honor any veteran,” he said. “Every person that ever served this country is important.”

The bronze statue, scheduled for completion by Veterans Day, Nov. 11, will depict an injured soldier being helped by another, and it was part of original plans for the memorial, though it never got completed.

Hecimovich said a remodeled memorial will be a nice feature for downtown.

“It’s a plus for the city of Austin,” he said.

Hecimovich also said the commemorative pavers make good gift ideas for families of veterans.

“(My family) is sick and tired of buying me underwear and socks,” he said jokingly.

The kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Aug. 26 at the memorial, which is located in front of the Mower County Law Enforcement Center on Main Street.

Mayor Tom Stiehm will read a proclamation to mark the event.