Anyone traveling from Srikakulam to Kalingapatnam cannot miss the entrance to Jonnalapadu village. The arch at the entrance is painted like military camouflage and decorated with models of weapons. It honours 27 soldiers from the village, representing three generations of armed forces service. The arch has three galleries, including the ‘Wall of Valour and Service’ that displays portraits of these soldiers. Among them is ex-serviceman Naib Subedar Polaki Chinnavadu, the village’s oldest living soldier who joined the army in 1967 and fought in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. "The monument preserves the memories of soldiers and their families and honours their service and sacrifice," says Chinnavadu. The village's association with the military began in the 1960s when Gunner Pandiri Krishna Murthy and Gunner Pandiri Ramulu enlisted. Krishna Murthy's family has continued this legacy. His son Satyanarayana retired as Havildar after 19 years, and his grandson Lieutenant Commander P. Kiran Kumar is a doctor in the Eastern Naval Command. "The monument serves as a source of inspiration for the next generation," shares Kiran Kumar. Satyanarayana fought in the Kargil War, and another grandson, Havildar G. Ramesh, is the only soldier to serve at the Siachen Glacier. The village has also sent four Agniveers to the Army since 2022, the youngest being 20-year-old Dukka Shanmukha Rao who joined in December 2025. The idea for the monument grew from discussions among serving soldiers, retired army men, and village youth. In December 2025, a team including BSF soldier Gadidesi Dharma Raju and sculptor Srimusuru Ramakrishna built the monument on community land in just 30 days. It features a model military bunker resembling one on the border. The monument was inaugurated on January 11, 2026, by Srikakulam MLA Gunda Shankar along with army and air force veterans. It attracts visitors and pilgrims heading to nearby temples, where many take selfies with pride. The site remains open 24/7 for residents and visitors. DEF–Srikakulam president Katakam Purna Chandra Rao called the monument "a living emblem of gratitude" representing courage, sacrifice, and community unity. Major Alla Murali Mohan praised it as a timeless tribute that kindles the spirit of service among youth. On the same day, MLA Gunda Shankar announced plans for a new Defence Park named Kargil Park near the Nagavali river to celebrate the defence forces' glory.