About
Honoring the War On Terrorism
memorial monument
© Combat Veterans United Copyright 2016
In 2008 the War on Terrorism memorial monument
was commissioned and placed at the Millennium
Plaza in Yakima. Shortly after being placed, the
monument was uprooted from it’s base, stolen, and
discarded by the thieves into the Yakima River.
After locating and questioning the vandals, the
location in the river where it was discarded was
revealed. The monument was retrieved. With the
help of Combat Veterans United the memorial was
repaired and restored.
Soon after the restoration, discussion evolved that this might not be the “most appropriate” placement for the
monument. A more appropriate location was determined to be adjacent to the Korean War / Vietnam War
memorial located at Sarg Hubbard Park in Yakima. So with the help of friends, the movement began.
THE ONGOING SAGA
As the new home for the monument started to take
shape it was decided that a brick patio area would help
dress up the monument and would help tie it better into
the existing Korean War / Vietnam War memorial which
it was adjacent to. So down with donations from around
the Valley, and a lot of volunteer help (Thank you Job
Corps) down went the bricks. Individuals, families,
businesses, and organizations were given the
opportunity to engrave a personal memorial brick to add
to the patio.
In late October 2015, with Veterans Day only weeks
away, it was discovered that vandals had once again
struck the monument and in an attempt to wiggle the
monument from it’s base they had broken it at the
breech of the rifle. The pieces were not to be found.
With the help of other influences the broken pieces were
recovered.
The race was on to repair and strengthen the monument
in time for the annual Veterans Day gathering at the
Veterans area of the park.
With the help of volunteers and friends, the
monument was strengthened and welded back
into place. The deadline was met.
About
Vandalized Again
About
Today
With the help of friends, volunteers, and donations,
the monument stands as a testament of the sacrifice
that many have borne to maintain the freedoms
enjoyed by so many. It serves as a quite place that
some can sit and reflect on friends, family, and
comrades who fell to the conflict. It’s a reminder that
our fight for better lives is an ongoing battle that
some will struggle with for years to come.
About
Help Preserve Honor
