AUGUSTA -- The stark power in a new planned memorial to soldiers is in what's missing as much as what's there.

An empty pair of boots with no marching feet to keep dry. A gun without a shoulder to rest upon. A helmet propped on the stock of the gun because there is no soldier to wear it.

It is the Fallen Soldier Battlefield Cross Memorial, and a local group of supporters who want to honor the sacrifices of Maine soldiers who gave their lives for their country wants to bring two of the memorials to Augusta -- to Camp Keys and the Statehouse.

One such memorial, if enough funds can be raised, will be installed by the main public entrance at Camp Keyes, and will include drawings and the dog tags of each of the eight Maine National Guard soldiers lost in what is being called the Global War on Terrorism.

Another memorial, likely to be placed in the Hall of Flags at the Statehouse, would serve as a tribute to Maine soldiers from all branches of the military killed in the war.

"We want to honor those who let us have all our freedoms," said Louise Dorr, president of the Augusta Emblem Club, which is working to raise more than $10,000 to purchase and install the two memorials. Dorr works at the exchange store at Camp Keyes, and said her son, father, and grandfather all served in the military. "I'm honored to be able to do anything we can do for them."

Second Lt. Jasmine Chase, historian for the Maine National Guard, said Camp Keyes leaders have wished for a memorial to honor their fallen comrades for years. However the Guard can't conduct fundraisers, and had no way of paying for a memorial. Then some Guard members talked with members of the Augusta Emblem Club, which is affiliated with the Augusta Elks Club, about helping raise funds for the poignant Battlefield Memorial.

"We knew what we wanted to do, we just didn't have the money to do it," Chase said. "I think this is going to be so powerful."

The memorial would be done in bronze, a more long-lasting version of memorials typically left on battlefields, made out of the actual boots, gun and helmet of soldiers killed at war.

The memorial at Camp Keyes would be accompanied by hand-drawn sketches of the eight late Guard members, drawn by Master Sgt. Angela Blevins, who worked from photographs of the late soldiers selected by family members.

Organizers hope to raise the $5,000 for the first statue by June 1. Donations may be made to: Augusta Emblem Club #233, P.O. Box 206, Augusta, Maine, 04332- 0206.

Some fundraising started last month and they've raised about $3,300 so far, Dorr said. Ongoing fundraising efforts include a bottle drive, through which donors can leave their returnables at Capitol Container on Mount Vernon Avenue, and ask that the proceeds go to the Augusta Emblem Club's fundraiser for the memorial.

Anyone with questions may call Dorr at 626-4213 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or Chase at 430- 2167.

The sculptures are custom-made and measure about 45 inches tall and weigh 175 pounds.

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com