It was seven years in the making, but Sunday saw a new veteran's memorial being dedicated in the East Bay.

More than a thousand people gathered at a Castro Valley Park Sunday for the dedication ceremony of a new veteran's memorial, which was a project the local post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars started planning seven years ago.

 “To bring something to our community, put it in stone and everybody remember what the veterans do for this country,” said Robert Pirone, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9601.

The group put out a call for donations, and an article in the newspaper got the attention of Craig Alton and his wife. Their son Travis, who had served in the war in Afghanistan, had recently died in an accident.

The Altons donated $50,000 to the project, which pushed project’s funds over its goal and allowed construction to start.

“I'm proud my family was able to be part of this,” said Alton.

The memorial is 35 feet wide with six granite slabs representing each branch of the military. On the back of each of the granite slabs are engravings -- the names of men and women who've served in the military and in some cases, made the ultimate sacrifice.

Beverly Balsley's son, specialist Michael Balsley, was killed in action in Iraq five years ago.

“Even though it's very hard to see my son's name on there, I'm very honored they did that for my son,” said Balsley. “It means a lot to me.”

And gives her and everyone in this community a place to reflect and remember the veterans they love.