Veterans memorial is a beloved Richmond city landmark

By Jason A. Givens

October 2, 2006 | RICHMOND -- It may be a small city, but Richmond has a big way of honoring its military veterans. That way is in the form of a veterans memorial designed by Val Lewis, a sculptor who also designed the veterans memorial in Tremonton.

The memorial is located on Main Street, in front of the city hall. It is in the shape of a pentagon with a star in the middle. At each point of the star is a concrete pedestal with a life-like bronze bust depicting a different branch of service. The branches depicted are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and the Women's Auxiliary. In the center of the star is a flagpole.

"The memorial is beautiful," said Jean Thedell, a resident of Richmond for 27 years. "It gives credit to all men and women from every branch of the military who valiantly served our country."

Thedell said she is thankful to live in a community such as Richmond and to live next door to veterans of the different World Wars and the Vietnam War. She said she has respect for the men and women who gave up their homes and families for our freedom.

Another Richmond resident, Dawn Hooker, said the memorial is a nice tribute and she hopes the city continues doing things like that for the community.

"It would be nice if we wouldn't need that," Hooker said. "But you need to fight for freedom."

The names of the veterans are engraved on stainless steel plaques found underneath the bronze busts. There are different plaques listing the names of those involved in the Mormon Battalion, the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. There is also a plaque honoring those who served during times of peace.

According to a booklet found inside Richmond City Hall the desire of the Richmond City Veteran's Memorial Committee is to include as many veterans as possible, not just those born and raised in Richmond, but also veterans who move there and anyone who has close ties to the community. The memorial is designed to honor not only those who died while serving their country but those who have served or are currently serving.

Marlowe Adkins, city manager for Richmond, said he's not sure if separate plaques will be added for the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said the memorial is designed to be added to and he's sure they will do something.

Adkins said he served in the Marine Corps for 10 years and was in the Vietnam war. His name is on the memorial and a photo of him as a young Marine can be found in the booklet. Although, it may be somewhat difficult to recognize Adkins today, as he now has a long white beard. Along with the photo of Adkins the booklet contains the names of the veterans found on the memorial and also photographs of many of them. It includes some war stories from Richmond veterans and also some experiences of prisoners of war.

For its efforts the memorial committee received a certificate of merit from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. It is on display inside Richmond City Hall.

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