Gresham Heroes Memorial and Tribute Honors Armed Services (VIDEO)

A special ceremony in Gresham honors those who serve in uniform.

Photos by Q Madp See more at IraqWarHeroes.org

(GRESHAM, Ore.) - A dedication ceremony to honor those who have served in the armed forces, fire, and police services was held Saturday in Gresham, at the city's special Heroes Memorial on East Powell Boulevard and SE Roberts Avenue.

The event was organized by the Heroes Memorial and Tribute Task Force, Chief Craig Junginger and the Gresham Police Department. They issued the invite to citizens wishing to support the men and women who serve this nation.

Q Madp of attended the somber and powerful event and filed the images in this video tribute report.

History

In 2004, then Gresham City Councilman Jack Hanna, petitioned the Gresham City Council to establish a task force dedicated to honoring those who have served, or currently serve our nation and community. Councilman Hanna led this task force through five years of construction, which was accomplished solely through private donations.

Engraved bricks form the Patriots Walkway leading to the Heroes Memorial and Tribute. Featured are seven pillars containing an embedded bronze emblem and flag representing each of the seven services honored. The American Flag flanked by the Oregon State Flag, City of Gresham Flag, and POW/MIA Flag stand at the rear of the Memorial.

Mr. Hanna and those who donated their time on the Heroes Task Force believe the Heroes Memorial and Tribute will be a visible and lasting reminder to those who serve that their actions and sacrifices are appreciated as well as a reminder to all who pass by and see how indebted we are to our heroes. The Heroes Memorial and Tribute

In March of 2004, then City Councilor Jack Hanna went before the Gresham City Council and asked that a Task Force be formed to build a Memorial to the men and women in Military, Fire, and Police services. One that would tell those who are serving and have served how much they are appreciated for what they do, have done, and the sacrifices they have made. The Council agreed and in April the Task Force formed. But there was one condition – there would be no City money involved. And so it began 10 people who felt as strongly as Mr. Hanna to see the Memorial built.

This Memorial dedicated to all these heroes, serving nation wide, was built within Small Park on the corner of Powell and Roberts adjacent to Main City Park in the heart of downtown Gresham, Oregon. Why this location? Because it will be a highly visible and serve as a daily reminder for all that pass by of the men and women who have chosen to protect our safety and way of life.

This Memorial and Tribute was constructed completely by the generosity citizens and of corporate sponsors.

Mr. Hanna in his speech to attendees at the second annual Memorial Day Service held at the site of the future Heroes Memorial told the crowd, “This memorial is dedicated to say thank you to those who protect us each and every day. It is a shame if even one life is given and they feel that no one cares. The heroes of my generation came home from combat to jeers from the public. "Many of them chose to sneak home in the darkness of night to avoid the angry crowds. I have stood in front of the Viet Nam Wall and not once have I felt bad that my name is not on such a world renowned monument. I will be very proud to bring my grandchildren to see my brick at this Memorial. It seems a shame that it requires the loss of life to be honored. There are many who have never been recognized for their dedicated service even though they were seriously injured or for that matter even recognized for the fact that they served," Hanna said.

"It is a shame that such a very large number our service men and women of WWII had passed away before they were honored by the citizens of this country. Let’s not allow that to happen again."

There is a saying that “The nation which forgets its ndefenders will itself be forgotten.”

Hanna emphasized that the Memorial is not specific to any event or to any one group, but is dedicated to all who have provided service to this great country during any period, in and out of conflict, and regardless of where they live.

He concluded by saying, "If you have not attended a Memorial Day Service or a Veterans Day Remembrance Service, please accept this as your invitation."

Special thanks to the city of Gresham Website for background on Mr. Hanna and the Memorial Tribute.

Photos and video by Q Madp, please visit his site, IraqWarHeroes.org, to see his endless work honoring our fallen. Also, know that Q operates strictly off donations and sliding him a little cash through PayPal greatly helps his continuing efforts.

Video