LENOIR, N.C. — The City of Lenoir is moving ahead with a major renovation project at Veterans Plaza in downtown Lenoir, including a new way to honor more than 1,000 local veterans.

Veterans Plaza was created in 2007 with engraved pavers purchased by community members to recognize veterans. Over the years, city officials say many of the pavers have deteriorated, with some becoming difficult or impossible to read.

In response, city staff developed a new plan to preserve veterans’ names while improving the plaza. The renovation will move names from the aging pavers to bronze plaques mounted on six newly installed gray granite monuments. The names on the plaques will be organized by military branch and listed alphabetically by last name.

The Lenoir City Council approved the project and budgeted $200,000 for the improvements. In addition to the new monuments, plans include refurbishing flag poles and adding tables and planters to make the plaza more welcoming and functional for visitors.

Contractors recently installed the six granite monuments, marking a major milestone in the project.

Before the old pavers are removed, the city is giving residents an opportunity to claim them. Individuals who originally purchased a paver, or family members of the honored veteran, must complete a claim form available through the City of Lenoir website.

City officials say claimed pavers will be set aside, if readable, before removal begins. The deadline to submit a claim form is 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

The city says the improvements are designed to preserve the legacy of local veterans while creating a more attractive and durable memorial space for future generations.