There are many monuments to veterans of particular battles around the county.

But for Summit Hill resident Robert "Ski" Siesputowski, it's more about honoring the people who served, as opposed to the events themselves.Siesputowski, a Navy veteran, founded the Carbon County Navy Club, Ship 260.The club is currently raising funds to erect a monument to waterborne veterans in Lansford Borough. The plaque and monument have already been purchased, and are set to be dedicated at a ceremony sometime in April."This is not to honor a war, this is not to honor a battle, this is to honor the men and women who served - whether it was war or peace," he said.The Navy Club erected a similar monument in Summit Hill last year. That ceremony attracted state and local elected officials to honor the waterborne veterans.The plaque thanks all waterborne veterans, past, present and future, regardless of whether they served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Merchant Marine. It salutes them for defending freedom since 1775.Siesputowski said the reason it's not 1776 is because the Navy was actually founded a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed."We defended freedom starting then," he said.Siesputowski said the monument will cost about $900 all told, and he is seeking donations to defray the cost. Anyone interested in contributing can send checks, made payable to "Carbon County Navy Club" c/o Siesputowski at 219 W. White St., Summit Hill, PA, 18250.