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 Dedicated Monday during Memorial Day services, exactly one year after the idea was formed, the Oyens Veterans Memorial stands at the southeast corner of the cemetery in Oyens, honoring the memory of soldiers from all branches of the U.S. armed forces. [Click to enlarge] |
Brainstormed around a Memorial Day lunch table, designed by locals on their own time, built on the sweat of volunteers and paid for by local donations, the new memorial now stands in the Oyens cemetery.
It is a tribute not only to those who have fought for the United States and even given their lives, but also to the commitment of a small community to carry on those veterans' memory.
The memorial is black granite -- 5 feet high, 3 feet wide and 6 inches thick -- etched with a soaring eagle, an American flag, the seals of the six branches of the U.S. armed forces and a simple tribute: "To honor and remember all veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States of America."
The community raised about $10,000 for the memorial, including a Local Option Sales Tax grant from Plymouth County.
Much of the work was done by people volunteering their time.
The idea started exactly a year ago, and a few months later a committee was formed.
They had a goal: to get it up by Memorial Day 2009.
On Monday, with more than 50 flags fluttering in the wind, the memorial was dedicated, right on time.
"We wanted something to pay tribute to the veterans past, present and future in remembrance of their sacrifices," committee member Bob Gengler said in an earlier interview. "It's a historical reminder to upcoming generations."
In a speech Monday, Gengler pointed out those in the community who were part of the project.
"This is your memorial," he said. "Thank you."
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The Oyens community is to be commended for their efforts to make this memorial a lasting tribute to the veterans of our great country.
It is unfortunate that they did not have the benefit of a veteran who understood the military protocal for the ranking of the military services. The servies are always listed in the order in which they were first founded which is: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. The photo of the granite monolith does not appear to be in this order.
Lastly, the Flag Code of the United States requires that no other flag flies higher than the US Flag. In the published photograph, it appears that the US Flag is at half-staff in honor of Memorial Day, however the state flag and the MIA/POW flags are at full staff and therefore appear to be higher than than the US Flag.
These issues aside, the sentiment and tribute of this memorial is an effort that Oyens should be pleased with.
Frank
Frank, let me ask you this about Flag Code:
true about the flags but isn't only on Memorial day only the US flag can be flown at half staff no other flag can. On Memorial Day at sunrise flag is half staff till 11am then the US flag should then be flown at the bullet/top.