Published: November 10, 2008 01:08 pm      

Del City adds memorials to honor vets

Clean-up crews were out Wednesday working on Del City’s newest additions to their Veteran’s Memorial. These items will be unveiled at their Veteran’s ceremony on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.

The memorial, located at 4505 S.E. 15th Street, has recently received two new statues. The first is an armored personnel carrier M114A1. This was donated by the Army.

“I had put in for something a year ago,” said Steve Berner, Parks and Recreation supervisor. It was a transportation museum in Pate, Texas that answered the call. They had this carrier, but wanted to clear it out so they could get back to more of their original transportation items.

The second item to be unveiled will the be the Veteran’s Cross for fallen soldiers. Berner explained that in past wars, when a soldier was killed, his comrades would set up his bayonet, place his helmet on top and leave his boots in a way of remembrance.

A plaque with the following quote will be placed by the cross: “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance... let no vandalism or avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic” by Major General John A. “Black Jack” Logan.

Also part of the unveiling ceremony will be the placing of a wreath by Leroy Duncan, the last living father of the soldiers listed on the Veterans Wall killed in 1967. Representative Scott Inman and State Senator Jim Reynolds will make remarks at the ceremony as well. A t-man rifle squad will be present from the Oklahoma National Guard 1345th Transportation Company. The Oklahoma National Guard will also perform taps.

Berner said these additions are only phase one of improvements the city wants to make to the memorial.

“It’s been a conception by the city manager and the council to continue to honor our veterans,” he said. Berner noted that they feel this is especially important given Del City’s proximity to Tinker Air Force Base.

In the future, Berner said the city is interested in putting a wrought-iron fence around the memorial.

After much searching, a nursery has also found a red, white and blue crepe myrtle to be planted on the grounds as well. Poppies are also part of the future landscaping plan. New lights will make the memorial stand out at night.

“To watch something unfold like this, and to watch the veterans watch this unfold... it’s a great moment,” said Berner.