Kennewick to Honor Vietnam Veterans with New Flagpole Dedication at Memorial

The City of Kennewick will host a dedication ceremony for a new flagpole at the Vietnam War Memorial, located southeast of the Cable Bridge, on Tuesday, October 29th at 11:00 AM. This memorial stands as a tribute to the 62 men from the Tri-Cities area who gave their lives in Vietnam, with their names etched on the black granite monument.

The memorial was originally installed in 1985, thanks to a dedicated group of local Vietnam veterans who rallied the community to ensure that those who made the ultimate sacrifice would not be forgotten. After the monument was damaged in 2004 by a vehicle accident, more than $10,000 was raised by veterans and community members to repair and restore the memorial. It continues to be a symbol of respect and remembrance for the Tri-Cities community.

In more recent years, the memorial and flagpole have undergone several transitions. Most notably, local veteran Kevin Veleke, along with the Port of Kennewick, Combat Veterans International Pasco Chapter, Greg Ford, and the City of Kennewick, have worked to refurbish and replace the flagpole that now stands proudly once again. These efforts, supported by local organizations, have ensured that the memorial remains a steadfast tribute to the brave soldiers who never returned home.

Parking for the event will be available at the Lampson and Water Follies lots, and all are invited to join this dedication, commemorating the sacrifices made by our local heroes and reaffirming our commitment to remembering their legacy.
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The Vietnam Memorial is just one of several veteran memorials scattered across Kennewick, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of honoring those who have served in our armed forces. The City of Kennewick is proud to help maintain these sites, ensuring that the memory of our veterans is preserved for generations to come.