By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The annual Memorial Day Service at Sunset Park in Salina, took place to continue honoring all U.S. Military servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives for the sake of this country.
On a beautiful Monday morning, a great crowd gathered to celebrate, honor and remember those lives.
Salina's local veteran community, VFW Post 1432, American Legion Riders, VFW Auxiliaries and Veterans with their family members all gathered to commemorate this special day.
Johnnie Keller, Salina resident and U.S. Veteran shared with the Post his viewpoint on the importance of this day.
"Memorial Day is not about barbecues, it's to remember those who lost their lives in service for our country. We need to remember those who paid the ultimate price for the very freedom that we have. The largest group of people lost their in the Civil War, we lost more people freeing one race of people who were being oppressed. That's what the U.S. Military has always focused on, not only serving our country, but also has gone places to help other countries to maintain the right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Additionally, the Salina/Saline County War Memorial was in attendance to inform those in attendance about the upcoming expansion of the War Memorial at the park.
Read more: Salina-Saline Co. War Memorial approved to received improvements
Ben Vidricksen, Treasurer of the organization shared with the Salina Post the design of the expansion will include two new octagon shaped memorials that will double as seating areas. There will be black granite panels that will serve as tablets for documentation of war history, beginning with the American Revolutionary War.
"We could use a little more history in the War Memorial, so we are starting with the American Revolutionary War," said Vidricksen.
Moreover, Vidricksen said some of the panels will be blank for future conflicts or wars that could take place.
"It's going to be educational," he said.
Keller shared with the Post about the partnership the City has with the Salina-Saline County War Memorial for the expansion. He stated he does not want taxpayers to burdened with projects, but he appreciates the expansion.
"Public-private partnerships are decided by elected officials and it's not always the voice of the people. This is a great thing, but I still don't know if I would have voted for it, because it's still taxpayer money. But, we do need to recognize our veterans."
The City approved on April 27 to provide 50% of the funds, an amount not to exceed $165,732.51.
The rest of the funds will come from the public's help of donations and grants accepted by the Salina-Saline County War Memorial Inc.
An aspect about the expansion will be an addition of granite tiles to be placed on the east and west perimeter of the war memorial plot. These tiles measure 4" x 8" x 1/2" and will have custom messages from buyers.
Those who donate $350 will have the opportunity to be apart of this feature, known as the "Wall of Honor."
Lastly, those who donate $150 will have the chance to honor a family member or friend who served in the U.S. Military on engraved bricks. The bricks will be sandblasted and restricted to two lines of type to match the original memorial site. This feature is known as the "Walk of Honor."
Click here to make a donation to the expansion.
For any questions about making a donation and/or about the project expansion email: info@sunsetwarmemorial.com