Wall of Freedom Honors Veterans

GRAND TERRACE >> The Veterans Wall of Freedom is now adorned with names of United States veterans. This year's Memorial Day was special because in the previous years there was no monument to observe except for last Veterans Day in 2015 when the wall was erected depicting the letters, but nothing else; after only six months there were over 300 names of veterans showcased on the wall. The plaques glistened on the wall and the names were presented in white against a black background, easy to read and locate. The Veterans Wall of Freedom Committee, supported by several dignitaries and special guests, instituted a program of remembrance and gratitude for all those veterans who provided protection and courage in support of our way of life. Robert Lavin, chairperson for the committee and the master of ceremonies for the event stated, “Today we now have names to honor the veterans who valiantly served their country and sacrificed their lives to protect our way of life. This is only the beginning as we continue to reach out to encourage other service members and their families to list themselves or their loved ones on the monument forever.” The ceremony for the day opened with the presentation of colors and the raising of the flags for each of the military services and the American flag followed by the POW flag. With over 200 people in attendance at the ceremony, many of the dignitaries present gave their praise for what our service men and women accomplish during their time of duty protecting our rights and freedoms. Committee member Don Larkin gave kudos to the sponsors who had provided monies and in-kind services to the project even in its darkest days and who continue to support the project going forward. The largest donor and sponsor to date is San Bernardino County, who was lobbied by Supervisor James Ramos to support this worthy cause for all of the Veterans county-wide. Ramos said, “My Board colleagues felt this project was worthy of a $40,000 donation because it shows an allegiance to every veteran throughout all of the districts in the County.” The monument wall itself cost approximately $95,000 to construct with each of the plaques memorializing the veterans costing another $100 per person. Adding the first veteran names to the wall was such a great accomplishment this Memorial Day, but the committee’s goal is to continue in that tradition by dedicating the VETERANS WALL OF FREEDOM this coming Veterans Day in high standard. The committee would like to fill every space on each of the letters before November 11, 2016, and that is hopefully an obtainable goal with the help from each of the surrounding community’s. As 'Taps' was playing to end the Memorial Day Ceremony, the flags were brought to half-mast in honor of those fallen service men and women.