Veterans Memorial Wall ready for dedication
With the final pieces all now in place, the Puyallup Tribe’s Veterans Memorial Wall is set for its dedication ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11. It will take place at the memorial site in front of the Takopid Health Center, 2209 E. 32nd St in Tacoma, at 10 a.m. Afterward, a lunch will be served at the Emerald Queen Casino Showroom, 2024 E. 29th St.
All veterans and their loved ones are invited to come and celebrate the dedication on this Veterans Day, as the memorial wall is for Puyallup veterans and all veterans who have served in any branch of the military. This project has been in the works for quite some time and has been a team effort under the leadership of the Puyallup Tribe’s Veterans Committee, Tribal Council and the Tribe’s Design and Construction Management Department. The memorial wall’s completion marks an historic milestone for the Tribe and all veterans serving currently and in the past.
The last portion of the wall to be installed were eight bronze medallions, 36-inches in diameter and representing eight branches of service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Merchant Marines, National Guard and Air National Guard. Benches were also installed for visitors to stay a while and appreciate the beauty and meaning of the memorial, which was designed by ARC Architects with Korsmo Construction as the contractor.
During the dedication, six flags will be raised on the six flagpoles that are part of the memorial: American flag, Puyallup Tribe of Indians flag, Canadian flag, Washington State flag, Tribal Veterans flag and the POW/MIA flag.
Local dignitaries will be in attendance to share a few words about the occasion. Among those invited to attend the dedication and speak are U.S. Senator Patty Murray, along with Steven J. Gill, Veterans Services Division Administrator at Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs; Joe Dacca, District Director for Rep. Derek Kilmer; and a representative from the Governor’s office.
Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP to Debra Sharp at debra.sharp@puyalluptribe.com or call (253) 680-5774.