Second Veterans Wall nearing completion

A new Clatskanie Veterans Wall will soon be complete to stand in tandem with the black granite wall completed at the beginning of this century.

“We already have 1,600 names to be put on the new wall,” said Gerry Simmons, Commander of the American Legion Post 68. Simmons is himself a Vietnam veteran and has been a longtime supporter of honoring Clatskanie veterans. That is in addition to the 27 new names that were announced at the Memorial Day celebration.

The idea for the Clatskanie wall was spearheaded by former Marine veteran Arnie Sundberg, who passed away in November of 2022. He was a lifelong Clatskanie resident. The receiver of two Purple Hearts, he became quite active in soliciting interest in a Memorial Veteran’s Wall.

After a sketch was completed, Sundberg enthusiastically traveled to all the businesses in town, gathering donations and visiting with different contractors.

Many groups have come together for fundraising efforts- Order of the Eastern Star, the Kiwanis, Auxiliary members of Post 68, and countless efforts made by members of the post. Many dinners and other events have gone into the fundraising efforts.

The idea for a wall to honor those who served their country first came about in 1982, when the Vietnam Memorial Wall was dedicated to the memory of the 58,000 service members who lost their lives. It is the most visited site in all of Washington D.C.

On any given day, people come to look up relatives or friends in Clatskanie. It’s common to see cars pull up and their occupants get out when visiting Cope’s Park to admire and take photos of the wall.

Julia Langworthy Deanhardt, who served in the navy from 1984 – 1988 often goes to clean the wall with the Clatskanie Garden Club. “We have the privilege to have this beautiful Veterans Memorial Wall,” said Deanhardt.

“Many of these men and women are dying of a painful disease or a severe mental problem. Their families also pay the price,” she continued.

“I would like people to think about the people who work on this memorial and wonder if maybe some of them are doing it because it makes them feel closer to their missing or deceased loved one. It is not just a statue in the park to forget about. It is a memorial,” she concludes.

Maintenance is a very important part of the wall. “We also have work to do on the existing wall,” said Simmons. “The sealant for the wall is wearing off and one of the panels is starting to slip.”

Scott Taylor of TaylorMade Homes is the contractor in charge of the wall’s completion. Simmons is very pleased with his work and appreciates his efforts.

Thus far, the concrete work alone on the new wall has been more than 10,000, so donations are encouraged. You can easily donate as accounts are set up at both Wauna Credit Union and Umpqua Bank. Donations can also be sent to American Legion Post #68.

Simmons himself comes from a long line of distinguished veterans. “I had a great uncle who was wounded in World War I, Bernhard Anderson,” said Simmons.

“After he left the service, he sought higher education. I met him once when I was a child and had plans to meet him in 1970, but he sadly passed before I could visit with him.”

Simmons is dedicated to keeping the memory of our departed veterans alive.

“I will continue this as one of my life’s missions,” said Simmons. “It is an honor to do so.”