Nellie Margaret Harris Applin was the driving force behind the Kingston Veterans Monument, dedicated in 2007 to honor four hundred men and women who served their country with valor, honor and dignity. Her vision for the monument began in 1999, and for three and a half years she alone researched and organized information intended to give insight into the dedicated efforts of those being honored. In 2002, Representative Bill Cummings, working with Mrs. Applin and Mayor Margo Martin, introduced Resolution Act 61 (HR949) in the Georgia General Assembly to transfer state-owned land to the City of Kingston for the project. On April 8, 2004, the State of Georgia-Properties Commission authorized the transfer of approximately five acres of land to the city. Funding came through in-kind donations, golf and softball tournaments, an auction, and a commemorative brick sale, and Richard Harrison made the design possible. Applin was also recognized on the Wall of Tolerance in Montgomery, Alabama, for her outstanding service, work and research; contributed research to American Tapestry -- The story of the black, white and multiracial ancestors of First Lady Michelle Obama by Rachel L. Swarns; was named a Civil Rights Leader in the Who’s Who of the Dr. Martin Luther King Diversity Class of 1957-2007; received a proclamation from Bartow County Commissioner Clarence Brown and a resolution from State of Georgia Representative Barry Loudermilk; and had her work recorded in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.