The Veterans Walk of Honor
portion of this beautifully maintained park is to pay tribute to all
the men and women who have served, or are now serving in our armed
forces and merchant marines.
Prior to the Veterans Walk of Honor, Merlin Park
contained a small memorial in remembrance of Josephine County residents
who had sacrificed their lives for us during World War II.
There is also a memorial in Riverside Park in Grants Pass,
paying tribute to our residents who gave their lives for us during the
Vietnam War, and a memorial in Cave Junction to honor those who served
in World War I.
The Merlin Park
board was receiving many requests from citizens to plant trees in the
park to remember their World War II Veterans who are, and who have been,
passing away in such large numbers. The park was too small to
accommodate all the requests, so in late 2004, they formed a committee
to see how best to serve the wishes of the public.
Committee member Michael Gee came up with the name, "Veterans Walk of Honor," but unfortunately he passed away before seeing the finished tribute.
The Merlin Park - Veterans Walk of Honor was officially opened on Veterans Day, November 11, 2005, but there was still a lot of work to be done.
They still needed to finish hanging the sheets of granite that
are attached to each of the nine pillars, additional engraving,
complete the landscaping, electrical work, purchase flags and more.
Everything was completed by July of 2007 in the Merlin Park - Veterans Walk of Honor.
Next time you're in Merlin, take a little time, and stop to honor our brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for us.
L'EST WE FORGET!!!
