Legion to remedy veterans’ wall

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By Dan King

American Legion Post 83 in Whitehall continues to find ways to honor our nation’s heroes – particularly those from Whitehall.

The Legion’s newest project will be to restore the Veterans’ Wall inside Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park.

American Legion members constructed the wall in 1992 and legionnaires decided it was time to rejuvenate the wall.

“The cement foundation has deteriorated, so we contracted it out,” said Jim Lafayette, post adjutant. “It’s going to cost us $2,200, but we’re concerned about the wall.”Wall 4

The wall features the names of Whitehall veterans from various wars, including both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lafayette said the contractor will begin working next week and will be “shoring it up with waterproof cement.”

In addition to strengthening the structure, Lafayette said the Legion hopes to add some names and that the names will most likely be submitted for in early September to be chiseled in alongside the current names.

“We’re looking to add names, obviously we’ll need proof of service, but if anyone has a name they think should be on there, they should contact us,” Lafayette said.

Lafayette said anyone interested in having a name added should contact Don Hart, who is the chairman of that committee, or should call the Legion at 518-499-2482.

“Hopefully we’ll have some new names on there before Veterans’ Day,” Lafayette said.

The wall plays host to many Legion functions, including the annual Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day parades, and the annual Flag Day ceremony.