Alex Paul
Families of Sweet Home veterans strolled Wednesday evening along the sidewalk, checking the names of those who have served their country in wars of the past 100 years at the new Veterans Memorial.
Located in a former beauty strip in front of Hoy’s Hardware, the memorial was developed by the Sweet Home Beautification Committee under the direction of Corky and Vern Lowen.
Numerous volunteers participated in the development of the memorial, which features bricks including the names of service men and women, alive or deceased, divided into areas for specific war periods. More than 250 persons, ranging from toddlers to veterans using canes and walkers helped celebrate the completion of the memorial.
“This is really great,” said John Mahler, Hoy’s Hardware owner. “I saw Corky and Vern out here all summer long. From early in the morning until late at night.”
Because an flag pole could not be constructed on the memorial itself due to setback regulations, artist Larry Kangas painted a flowing flag on Mahler’s building as a backdrop for the memorial.
“The flag is beautiful,” Kangas said. “It’s quite impressive. Lots of red, white and blue. I’m very pleased with how the entire memorial turned out.”
As a 21-year Air Force veteran, Kangas said he is especially pleased to see the support of the community for the project. More than 250 persons turned out Wednesday for the dedication. Kangas was a Lieutenant Colonel and was a navigator on B 52s, gunships and the C-141 (Hercules) airplanes.
In addition to the pods of bricks, decorated with flags for the evening, Jimmy Tack built a stone and metal display sign that is the focal point of the memorial. It was dedicated to his brother Jerry from Tack Logging.
Hegge Woodshop constructed wooden benches to allow those who wish to stop and spend time honoring local veterans. Also gifting benches were the Sweet Home Business Association, American Legion and Roger’s Floral- gifted a bench and the flowers for tonight. Another bench will be donated in memory of Hobert McQueary a long-time civic leader who passed away earlier this year.
Color guard for the evening was by the Sweet Home VFW, Amvets and Sons of Amvets.
Pastor Gary Hooley thanked the “brave men and women who have guarded our nation…and giving us a safe and peaceful world” during his invocation.
“Every community should have a place where the names of the servicemen from their community can be on display,” said Mayor Tim McQueary. ” It is only through the sacrifices of these individuals that the rest of us can enjoy the prosperity and freedoms that we have. As the word spreads and the participation grows what you will see unfolding here is a testimony of history of our nation and the people from our community who have contributed to that history.”
He added, “Starting with World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Gulf War to those who have served but not in any particular conflict. Those many veterans who have served our nation with pride will now have a place of honor for all of our citizens to see, appreciate and give thanks.”
Val Conley of the Department of Veterans Affairs, said the memorial is a fitting tribute to “the soldiers who serve our nation in times of war and peace.”
Conley said she holds our nation’s veterans in high esteem and said that many today make heroes out of the wrong people such as high-priced athletes. The real heroes are the men and women who serve and protect our freedoms.
“I would like to thank all veterans and their families for making this the strongest, most free and greatest nation in the world,” Conley said.
City Manager Craig Martin thanks those involved with the project including the Lowens, Sweet Home High School students under the direction of Ben Dahlenburg, John Mahler, Craig Fentiman and Rod Bricco of the Oregon Department of Transportation.
He also presented current Mayor Tim McQueary and past mayors Craig Fentiman, Bob Whitfield, Dave Holley (the evening’s emcee) Blair Smith and Doyle Johnson with engraved bricks that will help form the “Mayor’s Walk” portion of the memorial.
“This couldn’t have happened without Corky and Vern Lowen,” Martin said. “They don’t do it for the recognition but because it’s important to the veterans and to this community.”
In their honor, Martin presented the Lowens with a bouquet of flowers and a engraved brick.
Lowen said the memorial is in dedication to her brother, Vern Taylor now deceased of Myrtle Point. He served with the Navy Seabees and fought for three years in Guam during World War II. He died four years ago.
Music was provided by Deb Cooley, George Dominy, the Valley Brass 5 and the American Legion Junior Auxiliary.
The official ribbon cutting was made by Val Conley of the Department of Veterans Affairs flanked by representatives of the Coast Guard, Army, Marines and Air Force.
Our Veterans
By Mary Graham Betts
as the flag unfurrows
and the evening mists come in
we, the community,
remember our vets
young men and women
our nation’s finest
have willingly gone
with with great courage
they put themselves
in harm’s way
fathers, sons, brothers,
mothers, daughters, sisters
valiantly serve
in isolated cities
on foreign soils
or hostile lands
world war one and two
the korean conflict
vietnam, desert storm
now Iraq
they go, prepared to fight
and die if necessary
for our freedom
you and I remain free
because veterans served
and continue to serve
the veterans memorial
a growing tribute
and walkway
each of us should offer
a moment of silence
a quiet prayer
our sincere thanks
for veterans who came before
who serve today
and those who will come
whenever the need
is great and courage found
to insure freedom
these bricks and this place
pay tribute to
these courageous few
who serve God, country
you and I
…thank you
as the flag unfurrows
and the event mists
come in
we, the community
remember our vets…