MARIETTA - After almost two years of fundraising, the "Forever Remember" statue, erected by the Kiwanis Club of Marietta, was unveiled Friday at the new Joe Mack Wilson Park at the corner of Roswell and Anderson streets, near the Marietta Square.

An estimated 200 people, including members of the Kiwanis Club, as well as city and county representatives, came together to reveal the commemorative statue and recognize those who made it happen.

Victoria Turney, president of the club, said the statue stands to honor "the families of the loved ones who take the oath to protect and serve," including military and other public safety service members.

"Brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers make the commitment to serve, but so do their families," Turney said. "This is to commemorate those who stay behind, and we are the proud home to the first limited edition 'Forever Remember' statue in the state of Georgia."

The club's special project committee co-chair Clark Hungerford said Turney came to him a year ago wanting to raise $60,000 for the project.

"As I banker, I thought there was no way that could happen, but I caught her fever, and her thoughtfulness and tenacity helped us raise an excess of $70,000," Hungerford said.

Hungerford said the excess money would go into the club's scholarship fund.

Some of the major donors included the Cobb County Government, the city of Marietta, all Cobb County Superior Court judges, WellStar Health System, WIZULTS, LLC and the Rotary Club of Marietta.

"This is a commendable effort, and we have always had a healthy rivalry with the Kiwanis Club," Rotary President-Elect Mark Barbour said, before garnering a few laughs. "But one day, God-willing, we will beat them in softball."

The statue stands on the first phase of a Marietta park that honors former Marietta mayor Joe Mack Wilson.

Marietta Mayor Steve "Thunder" Tumlin called the unveiling a "glorious event."

He said Friday, "We are so excited to have this. What a moment it will be to have the parade come by this tomorrow."

Turney said the Color Guard will "stop here and honor her."

Those in attendance also included: Marietta City Councilmen Philip Goldstein and Johnny Sinclair; Cobb County Commissioner Helen Goreham and Vice Chair Woody Thompson; County Manager David Hankerson; County Public Safety Director Mickey Lloyd and multiple Cobb Superior Court judges.