The sun came out Nov. 7 for the dedication of the Veteran’s Monument in Buckley.

For more than a year, the city Art Commission planned and built the monument, a 43-foot tall totem visible from state Route 410. Adjacent to the totem are five rocks marked with the branches of the military, and a brick wall marked with the names of veterans living and dead. The monument was designed to accommodate a total of four such walls, and a volunteer used the dedication ceremony time to pass out order forms for bricks.

Veterans from World War II to Operation Enduring Freedom were present for the dedication.

Past State Chaplain Milton Till gave opening prayer for the dedication and Bev Schneider sang the national anthem.

Arts Commissioner Bob Olson told the crowd the monument was a reminder that veterans and should be honored year-round.

“Veterans Day is every day you walk around,” Olson said. “It’s because of the veterans that you’re doing it.”

Mayor Pat Johnson presented Olson with an award for his efforts in bringing the monument to fruition.

Fire Chief Alan Predmore emceed the event. Other speakers included Johnson, Veterans of Foreign Wars state Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Soldier Chairman Darrell Pilat, and Col. Gregory Allen of the Washington Army National Guard.

The Inter-Tribal Warrior Society’s Honor Guard closed the ceremony with a 21-gun salute while the 133rd Army Band Brass Quintet performed taps and subsequently played a medley of service branch songs.

Contact Enumclaw Courier Herald Reporter Daniel Nash at dnash@courierherald.com or 360-802-8010.

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