First Event Planned at Oakdale’s New Veteran’s Memorial

Oakdale on Monday announced plans for Memorial Day, which will mark the first event at the city’s new Veteran’s Memorial.

The memorial was dedicated Oct. 13, 2012, and the Memorial Day ceremony will be the first of several events held there, according to a release from the city.

The Veteran’s Memorial, on the grounds of Oakdale City Hall, features a wall with commemorative plaques, an obelisk, flagpoles, stone benches and other features honoring the nation’s veterans.

Near the memorial is a new wall and plaque recognizing Richard Walton, an Oakdale police officer who died of a gunshot wound he suffered in 1982 while trying to thwart a robbery.

The Oakdale Veteran’s Memorial Committee worked to raise funds for the project, and the city approved a low-interest loan of $40,000. 

“This is a really important project for all of our veterans in Oakdale,” Mayor Carmen Sarrack said before a July 2012 groundbreaking. “They had a tough time raising money because of the economy and so we thought we’d help them out here.”

“I give the Veteran’s Memorial Committee a lot of credit,” Sarrack said. “They worked hard to get to this point.”

People can order an engraved paver for the memorial. Visit the city's website for details (search for Veteran's Memorial).

The Memorial Day event, set for Tuesday, May 28, includes a flag ceremony, color guard and guest speaker, Col. Eric Ahlness.

The ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

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