Missouri IV

This memorial is in Wentzville, MO not too far from St.Louis. It was built in 1967 and is considered by many to be the first memorial to Vietnam in the country. At first, it was only a tree strung with lights as part of an effort to raise funds to send gifts to guys in 'Nam.  A couple of years later a monument was placed on the site. In time, the tree was lost to age or disease or something and the monument became the main site. The pillar has biblical verses on its base and is topped with an eagle. It is also the site of a yearly visit by those headed east in the Run for the Wall. The vets usually spend some time in Wentzville and always place a wreath at the memorial before heading to D.C. The last pic is of a notice left more than 20 years ago by some vet on his way to D.C.

It is located in Fireman's Park, at Birch Street and W. Pearce Blvd and it is hard to imagine that anyone in this town could not direct you  to it.

Oregon III

Outside the Elks Club in Beaverton, Oregon is this beautiful and stately memorial. Begun as a tribute to one lost marine, it grew to include every lost soldier from Oregon. Located at SW 106th street at SW Canyon Road the memorial, according to Elks members is the first memorial in the country to Vietnam. While I have seen many over the years I cannot verify if that is absolutely the case, but it sure is one of the first, if not actually the earliest one. My buddy and I were warmly received by those present on the afternoon we visited and we enjoyed their stories and hospitality.

Note that the POW/MIA flag is positioned above the Oregon state flag on the flagpole. While this is often not the way it is seen it is in fact correct! The POW/MIA flag is a national flag and, therefore, has priority over a state flag. The POW/MIA flag is the only flag other than the US Flag to fly over the White House and the Capital.

Next time, in five days, on to my last stop in Oregon. The town of Independence has a memorial in its beautiful park. See you on the 26th, as always, at 9:00am!