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Number of Results: 21

Edmonds Veterans Plaza Update

Author: November 18, 2018

Edmonds Veterans Plaza Update

Photo by Bob Rhinehart

The Edmonds Veterans Plaza continues to develop as the installation of an outdoor interactive kiosk was completed by the City of Edmonds early this month. As you can see from the photo, the kiosk is located adjacent to the dedicated pavers walkway.

All that remains is to install the necessary software to allow functionality, which should happen later in November. A dedication ceremony will be planned as soon as the kiosk is functional.

This device is intended to give veterans and their families easy access to information about veterans aid programs and will eventually offer a list and location guide to all of the dedications located within the plaza.

Donations are being accepted for additional pavers, purchase and installation of which will be scheduled as soon as a sufficient quantity have been ordered.

 

 Photo by Bob Rhinehart.

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New Information Kiosk Set for Veterans Plaza

Author: August 17, 2018

New Information Kiosk Set for Veterans Plaza

One of the final items for the Edmonds Veterans Plaza, the new information kiosk is now on order, the deposit having been sent to the vendor, Advanced Kiosks, on August 11.

The kiosk will be located near the top of the path made of pavers honoring individual veterans and we hope to have it set up and running well before Veterans Day.

There are a variety of kinds of information that can be provided, all from online “cloud” access and include a link to WAServes ( https://washington.americaserves.org/) an online service set up to help veterans access services and information. We have provided this link before in this newsletter. If you have not done so. the above link will take you there.

The vendor will also provide software to allow us to set up a directory to guide visitors to each of the points in the Plaza bearing any particular veterans’ name and service information. It will take some time to organize and enter all of that information.

There will be ongoing maintenance required in both hardware and software, for which we have reserves in the Edmond Veterans Plaza fund, to help the city keep the Plaza current and well preserved.

At the July Post meeting, Jim Traner, who is a member of the Plaza Committee and one of the original organizers of the project, went over much of the details and a vote was taken to complete this part of the project.

Our thanks go out to Comrade Traner, Ron Clyborne and Bob Reinhart, who drove this portion of the project.

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An Edmonds Veterans Plaza Update

Author: October 12, 2017

The Edmonds Veterans Plaza Committee has provided the following report to update us as we approach completion of the project.

A drinking Fountain is being installed and was to have been completed the week of October 1.

The City Council unanimously approved an additional $41K to complete the project. (These funds are directed primarily to pay for engineering changes instituted by the city.) The goal is to complete the work and have the EVP fully operational (including the water feature, lights etc.) by Veterans Day, 11 Nov.

An inaugural Veterans Day ceremony is in the planning stages. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the function …please share those with Jim Traner, Ron Clyborne or your Commander. We have a $3000 reserve fund to pay for upcoming functions and/or other EVP needs that may arise for 2017/2018.

All pavers are fully subscribed and have been installed. An additional 75 pavers in increments of 25 will be made available sometime in 2018 upon City approval. All new paver subscribers need to provide their names to Jim Traner and the ongoing subscription donations will remain at $500 per paver. We also have three stone benches available for engraving at $5000 each with which to remember and honor a Veteran(s) . If you know of anyone who may be interested, please let Traner or Clyborne know.

With a recent $8,000 grant from the Tulalip Tribe, available EVP funds stand at $19K. We needed $20k for the kiosk and the additional $1K required is covered with a verbal pledge. we will, therefore, begin the kiosk acquisition and planning, with the goal of having it installed and fully operational by the end of the 1st quarter of 2018.

We will maintain a “leadership team” to continue to manage the Plaza to its completion and to handle ongoing improvements and future functions. Post 8870 will continue to accept donations for the EVP for the foreseeable future, in order to pay for improvements and for maintenance requirements.

At right is photo of a K9 Soldier sculpture which has been donated and is to be installed in the EVP in October on a date and at a time to be announced. This statue was funded and designed by the “Off Leash dog Group”, who raised the funds to pay for the it outside the primary Plaza funding effort controlled by VFW Post 8870, to recognize the role played in our wars by the K9 teams. The dog sculpture is life size and will be installed on the existing “paver slab” on the east side of the south paver path, perpendicular to the two seating cubes.

The K-9 Memorial is to be dedicated in a brief ceremony on Saturday, October 21 at 1:00 PM at the Plaza. 

The Edmonds Veterans Plaza has already made an incredibly positive impact on our Veterans and their families and friends as well as being a very meaningful addition to our entire community.

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Dispatch from Berlin

Author: August 7, 2017

by Pete Farmer

Pete is living in Rome, Italy this year and has been sending occaional dispatches to allow the Post to share his adventure.

In 1970-71, I was stationed with the 3rd Armored Division in what was then West Germany or the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). We were defending the “Frontiers of Freedom” during the Cold War against Soviet Bloc troops. I believe our job was to slow possible invaders as they overran us. My artillery battery of 155mm self-propelled howitzers actually had nuclear rounds in nearby secure storage; small but deadly. Scary, huh?

Dispatch from Berlin

Because of my interest in WWII history, I took a week’s leave to West Berlin. Since I had a Top Secret clearance, I had to obtain permission to take a commercial flight over East Germany. A railroad or highway (only 1 route) trip required additional permission and delay.

Dispatch from Berlin

West Berlin was an island of freedom surrounded by a border secured by East German (DDR) forces with guard towers, concertina and a no-mans land.

In 1961, the Berlin Wall was erected overnight to divide the city and keep East Germans from fleeing to the West. Many of the WWII historical sites were on the East Berlin side of The Wall. I recall approaching The Wall at various vantage points to peer over and try to see these sights. The Brandenburg Gate, famous for Soviet troops raising their flag after defeating the Nazis in April 1945, was clearly visible but inaccessible. I could approach Checkpoint Charlie, the crossing point between West and East, but no farther.

I just completed a visit to a reunified Berlin. The Wall came down November 9, 1989, though street pavers outline its location throughout the city. East Berlin had been pretty shabby but has been rebuilt since the German capital relocated from Bonn to Berlin. Our hotel and many of the museums and sights were in the former East Berlin. Checkpoint Charlie was torn down, but a replica has been erected a block away with actors portraying border guards. In the photo, it is hard to miss McDonalds.

Dispatch from Berlin

The former Gestapo SS headquarters was razed and replaced by a gravel field and a museum chronicling SS atrocities 1933-45. Adjacent is a section of The Wall and the former Luftwaffe headquarters (built of concrete, it survived the war). Germany does not hide from its Nazi past. There are additional memorials and museums in the city that document all the persecuted groups of WWII. Particularly if combined with a visit to the nearby Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, a visitor will be quite saddened by this chapter of history.

Of course the good news is the failure of Communism. A quirky museum dedicated to life in the former East Germany helps explain why and provides some comic relief to sadder times.

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Edmonds Veterans Plaza Shaping Up

Author: April 10, 2017

Edmonds Veterans Plaza DedicationWork is moving fast on the Edmonds Veterans Plaza near the Public Safety Complex at Fifth Avenue North and Bell Street in Edmonds. The two photos below, taken a few days prior to publication show the plaza under construction.

Edmonds Veterans Plaza Shaping UpAt left, the engraved pavers are shown, waiting at the Civic Center Playfield for installation. Look closley and you will see the names Weaver and Clyborne on the exposed pavers.

Construction is expected to be complete in time for the dedication, now scheduled to take place on Memorial Day, May 29. We urge all of our members, their families and all other Edmonds Veterans to attend.

NL0417_Edmonds-Veterans-Plaza_2 NL0417_Edmonds-Veterans-Plaza_3

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Edmonds Veterans Plaza Underway

Author: February 10, 2017

Opportunities remain to honor individual veterans 

Edmonds Veterans Plaza

The Edmonds Veterans Plaza to honor and remember all who serve

How to be a part of the Plaza 

Now that basic funding for the Edmonds Veterans Plaza has been assured, the focus of public participation has switched to personal pavers and other naming opportunities. “We want to make sure that every Edmonds resident who wants to honor a veteran has that opportunity,” said Ron Clyborne, co-chair of the Plaza committee.

The Edmonds Veterans Plaza is a community-wide project designed to honor all U.S. veterans—past, present and future. The project is spearheaded by the local chapters of the VFW and American Legion, as well as volunteer committee members from all sectors of the Edmonds community, both public and private.

Pavers are 12-inch square tiles that will comprise the walkway in the memorial garden area of the plaza. Many —if not all—will be engraved with the name and military information of individuals who have served, whether living or deceased. Donors of $500 or more to the Plaza are entitled to have a paver engraved honoring a veteran of their choice. For those to whom the $500 requirement would present a financial hardship, there are a limited number of grants available.

The City of Edmonds has made a site available for the Plaza directly adjoining the City Council chambers at 5th Avenue North and Bell Street. The City Park Department has agreed to the ongoing care the facility. The triangular area is presently concrete paved and planted with trees and ornamentals, but the new Veterans Plaza layout will change the character of the plot dramatically.

The focal point of the design will be a long stone wall, approximately four feet high, divided into 10- to 12- foot sections. Between the sections there will be gently flowing waterfalls. The walls will be decorated with symbols of the five military services on one and the plaza theme and appropriate quotes on others.

A separate wall will remember those local warriors who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. Another will thank major donors that made the Edmonds Veterans Plaza possible.

Benches and stone seating cubes will be distributed throughout the site. A small memorial garden will provide contemplative seating and other silent tributes, all designed to contribute to a spirit of remembrance and healing for families and troubled veterans

NL0217_Veterans_Plaza2The second fund raising goal of $572,000 was met in mid-January. Financial contributions are still being accepted however, with a digital informational kiosk, drinking fountain and other enhancements now being targeted. Donations can be made at edmondsveteransplaza.com.

Construction of the Edmonds Veterans Plaza is underway, with the public opening, ribbon cutting and dedication planned for Memorial Day, May 29.

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Edmonds Veterans Plaza Bid Accepted!

Author: January 9, 2017

Edmonds City Council Unanimously Approves Contract

Edmonds Veterans Plaza Bid Accepted!At the December 13 meeting of the Edmonds City Council, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Carrie Hite announced the low bidder as K-A General Construction for $290,967.92. (This number does not include the seats, pavers etc, contacted separately)

The audience, including veterans attending the meeting, broke out in applause after the construction funding was unanimously approved.

Construction is scheduled to start in January, to be completed in time for a Memorial Day dedication ceremony.

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How to be a part of our Edmonds Veterans Plaza Plaza Project Approaching Fundraising Goal

Author: April 3, 2016

Edmonds Veterans Plaza funding tops $ 400,000!

For the past 241 years men and women have served our nation in uniform; in peace and in conflict, assuring that our freedom, declared in 1776, would continue.

Edmonds Veterans Plaza drawing

Our City of Edmonds has not had a place to so honor & remember those who have served. Thanks to VFW Post 8870, American Legion Post 66, The City of Edmonds and a group of dedicated individuals, Edmonds will finally have such a place of honor, to be prominently located at 5th and Bell, right in front of the City Council Chambers Building.

The total budget for the new plaza is $420,000. To date the organizing
committee has raised $ 400,000 and there is $20,000 yet to raise. The Hazel Miller Foundation, prominant among our major supporters, was an early donor committing $180,000 toward this project during the fall of 2015. We are very grateful for this support.

The time has come for the fundraising effort to look to the public. All Edmonds citizens are invited to contribute toward the campaign to raise the last $20,000.

Please consider a contribution of $50, $100, $250 or more so that the project can be completed. You can send your contribution to Edmonds Veterans Plaza, c/o Edmonds VFW Post 8870, PO Box 701, Edmonds, WA 98020 (make checks payable to Edmonds Veterans Plaza); or go online to http://
edmondsveteransplaza.com.

You may wish to honor a particular friend, relative or comrade in arms. We have the following opportunities to do so:

  • Pavers to honor a Veteran – $500 minimum donation
  • Bench Plaques to honor a Veteran – $1,500 minimum donation
  • Seating Cubes to honor a Veteran – $2,500 per side

(Illustrations of these features are available on the web site referred to above.)

Fundraising is to be completed by the end of May with construction beginning in June and the new Plaza to be dedicated on Veteran’s Day, November 11th, 2016.

The financial support of all of our citizens and particularly all veterans is
important so please send your contribution now.

Edmonds Veterans Plaza sketch

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Moving Forward on the Edmonds Veterans Plaza Project

Author: March 8, 2016

Edmonds Veterans Plaza sketch

The presentation of changes and improvements to the original concept presented a year ago was approved by the Edmonds City Council. in a meeting in February. This allows the design Firm, site Workshop, to move to the 90% design phase and for the Fund Raising Committee to move forward in developing a new fund raising campaign directed to the general public.

The support of the VFW members that were in attendance at the City Council meeting was greatly appreciated as their presence sent a very strong message to the council. The EVP committees also appreciate the support of Post members who have donated and have promoted this VFW Post 8870 project to all their family and friends for their donations as well.

Other good news is that the EVP Co-Chairs & Steering Committee in conjunction with the design firm, have been able to reduce the estimated cost to build the Plaza from $450K to $410K and inasmuch as we have now raised $320k ..that leaves only $90K to raise …but we need to raise the entire $410K before we can begin construction. We need to start construction in June to be able to meet our goal of a holding dedication ceremonies on Veterans Day Nov. 11th, 2016, so we need every member working to raise the funds.

Individual veterans can be honored and remembered forever in the Plaza on one of the following three features: Stone Pavers, Bench Plaques & Seating Cubes. We have 8 bench plaques, 2 seating cubes (8 sides ) & 150 stone pavers that remain available. Following this page are forms on which to place your orders for any of these opportunities. Any veteran, from any conflict, living or dead, may be so honored.

Edmonds Veterans Plaza Individualized Naming Opportunities

Below, you will find the Plaza Contribution Form, which can be filled out with your contribution, or those of family and friends. you may also choose to make a contribution by credit card on the Edmonds Veterans Plaza web site.

Edmonds Veterans Plaza Campaign Gift Form

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Edmonds Veterans Plaza Update

Author: January 4, 2016

Over $ 270,000 Pledged!

Edmonds Veterans Plaza drawingWith some verbal commitments we have now surpassed $270,000 in contributions, more than halfway toward our $450,000 goal. We would like to reach this goal by March 31, 2016, which would allow us to dedicate the new plaza on Veterans Day 2016!! It is expected that we will take this drive to the general public late in January. Wilcox Construction of Edmonds has offered to build the plaza at their cost, which would be a significant donation in itself. The city is expected to include Wilcox on the bid request list.

 

Naming Opportunities

Edmonds Veterans Plaza drawingCommander Blossey will be putting together a promotional piece to describe naming opportunities, to honor individual veterans, which include:

  1. A pedestal at $10,000 for all four sides
  2. One side of a pedestal is $2,500
  3. Individual Pavers are $500 each.
  4. 6 park benches at $2000 each.

It should be emphasized that these naming opportunities are for recognizing veterans, not for recognizing donors. There will be a donor wall to recognize donors who contribute at least $1,000.

Edmonds Veterans Plaza sketchParticipation of Post Membership Key to Funding Plaza

Edmonds Veterans Plaza planCommittee Chair Ron Clyborne has questioned the level of participation by the Post membership in funding the Plaza to date. Less than 5% of our membership has contributed as of the December meeting of the committee. Clyborne wants us to know that we have post members on the committee that have put in hundreds of hours on this long overdue project  that is “ Honoring all veterans…past, present and future” and it is hoped that all of our membership will step up.

Certainly, all of us are not in a position to make a large donation, but every dollar contributed helps and equally important, helps demonstrate how important this project is to our veterans posterity. Your contribution, however small helps. $10, $20, $50, $100 donations do add up and if every VFW member who has not contributed to date donated just $20 that would raise a very meaningful $4000+. American Legion Post 66 as an organization has donated $6000, VFW Post 8870 has donated $1000 this year with an additional $1000 pledged for next year …a very few individual VFW members that have contributed or pledged a total of $12,500 to date, including a single pledge of $ 10,000.

The committee asks that we please forward this newsletter to friends and family and other veterans who are not VFW Post 8870  members so that they too may consider a donation.

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