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Chandler to unveil memorial for WWII vets
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A dedication plaque that is more than 60 years old in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park pays respect to veterans who served in the armed forces. Nov. 10, 2009
Darryl Webb, Tribune
This Veterans Day, Chandler plans to unveil a new history kiosk downtown, in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, commemorating local men and women who served in World War II.
The kiosk highlights the story of the Honor Roll billboard that was erected in the park in May 1943, at the height of World War II. The billboard listed the names of men and women serving in the military who came from Chandler and small neighboring communities like Higley, Queen Creek, Chandler Heights and Goodyear.
By April 1945, the Honor Roll featured more than 700 names. The city replaced the billboard with a permanent veterans memorial in 1949.
The reverse side of the kiosk tells the story of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, the city's oldest park. Jean Reynolds, Chandler's public history coordinator, said the double-sided panel cost about $700.
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Chandler Councilman Matt Orlando, a recently retired colonel in the Arizona Air National Guard, is expected to speak at the dedication. Members of American Legion Post 35 and Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 7401 also are slated to participate.
At 1:30 p.m., the event will move to the nearby Chandler Museum, where a panel of local World War II veterans will share stories about their experiences. Museum staff also will preview a new city Web site that shares the stories of Honor Roll veterans.
The park's existing veterans memorial, a roughly 60-year-old bronze plaque set into concrete, sits east of Arizona Avenue, Reynolds said.
The ceremony is free and open to the public. It's being sponsored by the Chandler Museum's Public History Program. For more information, call (480) 782-2751 or go to www.chandleraz.gov/history.
IF YOU GO:
What: World War II History Kiosk Dedication
When: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, southwest of Buffalo Street and Arizona Avenue
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