Veterans Memorial Park dedicated in Quincy

War veteran and congressman speak

QUINCY - Close to 100 people attended the dedication of a memorial wall at Veterans Memorial Park in Quincy Monday afternoon.

The park is dedicated to those who served and are serving in the U.S. military.

The park features two concrete walls and three flags. The concrete walls are blank and will eventually feature name plates of those who served in past wars and those who are serving now. An American flag, a prisoner of war (POW)/missing in action (MIA) flag and a state flag fly above the park.

The park is nine years in the making and inspired by area veterans, Quincy citizen Lisa Karstetter said.

The City of Quincy donated the property for the park, she said. Several Quincy businesses donated money to the project to erect the wall. The Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce has been facilitating the project.

The Quincy Junior High band played the National Anthem after Karstetter's closing remarks.

"It is an honor and a privilege to dedicate Veterans Memorial Park," Yahoo! Facilities Manager and war veteran Ron Thompson said.

Thompson said it is dedicated to the memories of those who sacrificed to secure our freedoms and to keep its inhabitants safe.

Thompson requested a moment of silence in honor of all war veterans.

"Let us never forget," he said.

Vietnam War veteran Phil Anderson who has been a leader of the project said he is grateful to finally see the project come together.

"I want to remind all of us that this stands for those of us that have been in the service," he said.

Anderson served from 1966 to 1967 in the Vietnam War.

He said the memorial is not only for veterans but also for the community.

"I don't think you can say thank-you enough," Congressman Doc Hastings, R-4th District, said. "May you always be remembered as guardians of the principles and ideals that make America great."

He said those currently serving the military should be recognized too.

"For more than 200 years, millions of Americans have volunteered to fight and protect our lives," Hastings said.

He said if all generations continue to stand up for liberty, through the military, the nation will remain free, safe and strong.

Anderson said there are close to 300 veterans buried in Quincy area cemeteries and they are in need of someone to purchase a name plate to honor their service.

The name plates can be purchased for $80 from the Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce. To purchase a plate or donate to the purchase of a plate call 509-787-2140.