Korean War Memorial is unveiled

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 27th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

COLLEGE PLACE – The city of College Place is now home to Walla Walla County’s new Korean War Memorial located at the entrance to Veterans Park on Southwest Homestead Avenue, south of Fourth Street.

Mayor Norma Hernandez said due to supply chain issues, the city was unable to unveil the memorial on Veterans Day as hoped. The gray American granite structure is the work of Neil and Sherilyn Jacobsen of College Place and was installed by Tony Pugliese, owner of Heritage Memorials and Restorations.

“Solemn and simplistic, it speaks in respect for those lost amid turmoil half a world away,” Hernandez said. “Thirty six thousand five hundred American soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen lost their lives, including the 15 local men listed on the monument: First Lt. James Arnold, Capt. Jack Beeson, Sgt. Donald Cameron, Private First Class Billie Dutton, Private First Class William Erdman, Private First Class Ervin Gebhardt, Capt. Charles Hastings, Staff Sgt. Robert Hatley, First Lt. Robert Hunt, Sgt. First Class Edward Kennedy, Private Alfred Meek, Second Lt. Morris Reisinger, Private First Class Arthur Ross, and First Lt. David Taylor.”

A manuscript is in the works by two local Legionnaires as a tribute to the servicemen. Additional information about the men will be welcomed at bookend@charter.net. An official dedication will be announced at a later time.