Tag Archive: Edomonds Veterans Plaza

Veteran’s Day Ceremony to Dedicate Bench

Veteran's Day Ceremony to Dedicate Bench Saturday, November 11, 1 :00 PM

The Edmonds Veterans Plaza has been with us for a few years now, having been dedicated on Memorial Day in 2017. What many don’t realize is just how integral a part VFW members Jim Traner and Ron
Clyborne had in its creation. Without their vision and energy, in the initial concept and in putting together a team to bring their dream to fruition, it never would have happened.

Following Traner’ s passing this past summer, the Post decided to dedicate one of the benches in the circular setting area on the east side of the Plaza to our two comrades who had such a large part in bringing this jewel to Edmonds veterans. The photo above, shows the bench with it’s engraving complete. A dedication ceremony will be held on Veterans Day, November 11, 2023 at 1 :00 PM. Above right is a photo help us locate the bench within the plaza.

Veteran's Day Ceremony to Dedicate Bench

Moving Forward on the Edmonds Veterans Plaza Project

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

Veterans Plaza Update

The committee in charge of selecting the design for the new Veterans Park is nearing its decision on the winner of the final concept. Three of the committee members are from our Post, Jim Blossey, Ron Clyborne, and Jim Traner. Last summer the committee placed a request for design ideas on the internet using the Post’s website. The thought behind the posting was some local high school and college landscape architectural classes would submit a few suggestions. What happened was proposals were submitted from across the United States and one was even submitted from Mexico. Bottom-line, we received a number of excellent submissions which were narrowed down to two firms who were interviewed by the committee. Both designs are excellent and both feature a “contemplation park” in the grassy area at the top of the Plaza while the plaza itself is used to commemorate veterans from all branches of the service. The final selection will be announced in January with the next step being approval from the City Council. Once that is obtained, we will begin fund raising activities to pay for the Plaza. This is our project and our Plaza and we will all have to chip in to make it a reality.