Community turns out for BG Veterans Memorial groundbreaking

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BATTLE GROUND – Clouds and drizzling rain didn’t deter nearly 100 people from turning out for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Battle Ground Veterans Memorial in Kiwanis Park the morning of March 11.

There were many veterans in the crowd, wearing badges identifying their service in the Korean War, the Vietnam War or sometimes more than one conflict. This was a meaningful day to many, and there were few dry eyes in the crowd when Mayor Shane Bowman paused in his speech to collect his own emotions during his address.

Debbi Hanson, director of Battle Ground Parks and Recreation; Michael Brown, chair of the Battle Ground Parks Advisory Board; and Kevin Tapani of Tapani Underground also addressed visitors with the vision and process leading to the moment of groundbreaking.

Tapani, Mike Johnson, Hanson and Bowman imbedded “golden shovels,” sporting a fresh coat of gold paint, into the soft earth for the symbolic breaking of the ground. The Battle Ground High School Junior ROTC served as color guard, and Battle Ground Rose Princesses offered cake and beverages to guests.

The Battle Ground Veterans Memorial has been in planning since 2009, when members of the City Council directed the Park Advisory Board (PAB) to work with city staff and other stakeholders in the design, development and construction of a Veterans Memorial to honor area veterans who have died in service to their country.

This request was made after Army Pvt. Andrew Shields, a Battle Ground resident and Battle Ground High School graduate, had died in service to his country in Afghanistan. Hanson expects construction to be complete later this year, with hopes that it will be ready for July 4.

Community members had an opportunity to voice their design preferences after reviewing four submissions from area landscape architects. People liked the chosen plan for its overall simple design and intimate feeling. The design features a wall inscribed with names of Battle Ground area veterans who died in service to their country.



Any veterans, living or deceased, may also be honored in the Memorial by purchasing an engraved brick, which also serves as a fundraiser to support the construction of the project. The pathway will accommodate up to 1,800 engraved bricks so that names can be added in future years. The Memorial is designed to encourage private reflection, as well as serve as a gathering place for events honoring the fallen.

For inclusion on the Memorial wall, veterans are defined as Battle Ground residents by previously residing within the boundaries of Battle Ground School District. The city of Battle Ground has researched these names, but some may have been inadvertently overlooked. Qualified veterans can still be nominated for inclusion in the Memorial by submitting the nomination form located on the city of Battle Ground website, under the Parks & Recreation Department tab.

Funding for the Memorial is solely dependent on private funding and in-kind donations. Monetary donations are still needed, and can be submitted to the Parks Foundation of Clark County, a 501(c)3 organization. In-kind donations can be proffered by contacting Hanson. According to Hanson, the most significant need remaining is for a donation of concrete, though other donated services are still welcomed as well.

Opportunities to support fundraising for the Memorial will continue throughout the year. The Second Annual Country Shindig Concert & Dance will be held Fri., April 17,  at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., featuring the Michele Drey Band. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, along with raffle tickets to win donated prizes such as airline tickets, wine tastings, sports memorabilia and gift baskets.

The Girls’ Night Out Bunco Party is held in August, and the Fairgrounds Park Flea Market is the weekend before Labor Day. The Yellow Ribbon Event offers a chance to dine at participating restaurants in Battle Ground who donate a portion of their proceeds to the Memorial fund.

More information about the Veterans Memorial can be found online at www.cityofbg.org/veterans or by calling (360) 342-5385.