The World War II Memorial committee will be hosting a dedication ceremony on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11 at 2:00 pm. The first portion of the ceremony will be conducted in the grand hall of Fort Walla Walla Museum, 755 Myra Road. If weather permits, the rest of the ceremony will take place outside the museum’s front entrance at the site of the new monument. Reception to follow at the museum. This event is free to the community.

From Sherilyn Jacobson, World War II Memorial committee member:

This project is the culmination of six years labor and single-minded dedication to honoring those from Walla Walla County who served during the war. Approximately 3,800 men and women were in uniform at some point; 91 never came home. Their names and ranks are engraved on the monument’s pillars. The foundation is pentagon-shaped with a star outlined in bronze to represent the Gold Star mothers in the center.

 The project was funded by businesses, organizations, families of casualties, and individuals (many of whom did so in honor of someone who served).  About a third of the donations came in the form of in-kinds, and most of those were from our construction partners. Also the cities of Walla Walla, College Place, and Waitsburg provided financial support as well as Walla Walla County. The local Parks Department has been very generous with its participation and guidance.

 Being involved in this project has been personally rewarding for all of us as we have planned and worked to make the original concept drawing become a reality.  Every member of the committee has brought a unique collection of skills and experience resulting in a spectacular memorial to the Greatest Generation that will stand as a solemn reminder of their sacrifices for generations to come.

We are looking forward to the dedication so we can celebrate the soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen who secured our freedom.  We also will acknowledge those who helped us along the way to bring this project to a successful close.