City and civic leaders joined veterans' organizations Monday to break ground on a new memorial to honor military veterans at the top of the hill in Pioneer Cemetery.

The veterans' community is contributing to the cost of the memorial, which will be marked by flags representing all the military organizations of the country.

Buddy Loggins, commander of Pleasanton's American Legion Post 237, was joined by Mayor Jerry Thorne, at the rostrum to talk about the memorial Monday afternoon.

Pioneer Cemetery is the resting place of more than 500 veterans dating back to the Civil War. The addition of a Veterans Memorial will create a year-round location where the public can pay its respects and homage to the heroes who served.

Veterans are still seeking donations toward their goal of just over $300,000. To date, they have raised more than $244,000 from a variety of donors, but continue to seek support.

Those interested in contributing can visit www.pleasantonveteransmemorial.com for more information.

The official grand-opening of the Veterans Memorial will be held Nov. 12 to coincide with Veterans Day weekend.