Veterans Memorial Park is an appropriate place to honor those who gave their lives for their country.
But this Memorial Day is extra special as the park unveils a brand new Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.
Our Roland Beres gives us a preview of an event that some say is long overdue.
"We're pleased to see it finished and in place and unveiled Monday, Memorial Day, and looking forward to a big crowd. It's really time Vietnam veterans of Idaho are being honored," said J.D. Poss of Vietnam Veterans of America 1025.
217 Idahoans died in the Vietnam War and close to 2,000 of their brethren are expected to honor them at the unveiling of this new memorial. Many others are expected at the event that will include a 21-gun salute and Blackhawk helicopter flyover. Poss says it's the kind of honor such sacrifice deserves.
"It's long ovedue. It's an honor these soldiers should have had a long time ago. I'm glad to see them get the recognition and the honor they deserve," he said.
The Meridian Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America raised $117,000 to get this monument built. The centerpiece with the names of those Idahoans who died in Vietnam is made from the same Indian granite used to build the striking memorial in Washington D.C. The memorial unveiling is tomorrow at noon at the Veterans Memorial Park just off the road of the same name. Major General Gary Sayler will give the keynote speech.
