Veterans group works to get WWII monument built at Capitol
SALEM, Ore. - A veterans group is working to raise money to build a World War II memorial on the Capitol grounds.
The Oregon World War II Memorial Foundation held a ceremony Tuesday honoring veterans and asking the public for donations.
One veteran who risked his life for our country is asking Oregonians to chip in for the effort.
Bob Maxwell received the Medal of Honor in 1945 for jumping on a grenade while serving in France. His heroics saved many lives.
Maxwell says it is time for Oregon to build a memorial honoring those who died in battle. Part of one of the walls was on display on the Capitol steps. The names of over 3,700 Oregonians who died in combat will be etched on the walls of the monument.
Maxwell spoke during a ceremony in the Governor's office: "I think it's going to take more than money, it's going to take volunteers, it's going to take people who are willing to build and not charge for it. It's going to take lots of donated material. It's going to take more than money."
So, far the foundation has raised about a third of the $1.2 million it needs to build the memorial. If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution, go to www.oregonwwiimemorial.com.
Watch his speech by clicking on the video above.
Make sure you keep room for a Iraq , Afghan and any of the next conflicts coming down the pike.
I have had the honor of having dinner with Bob Maxwell. He was wearing his medal as it was an event for MOH recipients. I watched as one officer after another saluted him including two generals. He is a very humble man and no one would know that he jumped on a grenade to protect his fellow soldiers.
We are fast losing all of our WW2 veterans and most are in their late 80's or 90's now. Out of 464 MOH recipients from WW2 there are only 11 left alive.
We need to make this memorial happen before any more pass into history.
@RalphCramden We've had 60 years to build one . Kinda late dont you think?