I would like to extend thanks to all those involved in the proposed joint war memorial now being considered for placement in Les Gove Park.

I would like to especially thank outgoing Mayor Pete Lewis for his vision, Councilman Bill Peloza for his steadfastness in getting the project noted onto committee for consideration, and Councilwoman and Mayor-Elect Nancy Backus for helping coalesce this healing process.

I also would like to thank VFW members Mike Sepal and Dan Heid for sharing with me their thoughts about the project, and last but not least Frank Bannister, commander of the VFW Post 1741, for keeping the Post updated regarding the project and upholding the Post’s membership decisions to this project as it moved forward.

At a Auburn City Municipal Services Committee meeting, I was offered an opportunity to speak in favor of the project where I shared that this project will offer all veterans of the Vietnam War, American or South Vietnamese, a place to celebrate, to remember, as well as a place to help provide meaningful closure.

The City of Auburn is forging in a direction that is new and at the same time bold, however, metered with common sense all the while holding positive core values in its reflection of what is important to its citizens. Government can work and the city of Auburn sets an excellent example.

I salute you all.

– Roger Flygare, service officer, VFW Post 1741