Public Welcome to Ceremony at American Legion
The American Legion Post 54 invite the public to attend a dedication ceremony for the Merkel Brothers Vietnam Veterans Memorial Patio on Wednesday, May 23 at 5:00 p.m.
The ceremony will begin with a presentation on the Honor Walk banners now displayed on South Central Avenue, honoring local veterans. Along with the dedication program, attendees will receive a special yearbook of each veteran that is featured on a banner for 2018.
A dedication ceremony will take place at 5:15 with the ribbon-cutting at approximately 5:30, with a spokesman from the state American Legion in place of National Commander Denise Rohan, who was previously slated to attend. Afterward, attendees are welcome to stay for hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.
The patio is part of long-awaited upgrades to the clubhouse, as well as a tribute. “I wanted this named after [the brothers] to celebrate their heritage, all the Vietnam veterans’ sacrifice,” said Legion member Paul Rogers. “This is the parade that the Vietnam veterans never got.”
In addition to a marble entryway that provides information on the war, the patio also features the talents of artist Gene Wesley, who created a Vietnam War painting. “It’s just stunning,” said Rogers. “It could hang in the National Art Gallery, in my opinion.”
The patio, meant to rejuvenate the club, will be a venue for both the Legion and for private parties. Two fire pits, a pizza oven, and pergolas are part of the charm of the new space, located at 2100 South Maple Avenue. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
