Iraq Memorial gets long-awaited plaque
By CHUCK BALLARO
For those who came to Eco Park’s War Memorial on Wednes-day, it was a long-awaited celebration.
The Iraq War Memorial got its dedication plaque, commemorating those who served, were wounded or killed through the years in the wars in that country, while thanking those who made the memorial possible.
The ceremony also featured a semi-truck built especially for honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom by serving in the military.
The “Ride for Pride” truck, which logs tens of thousands of miles annually for veterans’ events, set up at the monument from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for people to visit or take pictures with.
Bernard Johnson, an Iraq War veteran and the driver of the truck for Schneider National, said the purpose was to honor local veterans and show support.
“It’s so if you need the truck for a funeral or other memorial, if we’re not booked, we’ll try to schedule a time for the truck to be there,” Johnson said. “We have seven of these trucks.”
Of the seven, five are still in use, with the others having been retired. The trucks average more than 100,000 miles annually, as they also are used to haul freight.
Johnson got the job through his participation in the service, his record within the company, and a recommendation from his superiors before going through an interview at company headquarters in Green Bay, Wisc.
“It’s an honor to do this. You’re one out of 11,000 trucks. It’s great to honor those I served with and those before me,” Johnson said.
Michelle Rosenberger, whose work helped make the Iraq War Memorial a reality, said it was time to do something fun for a change.
“We’re here to honor our veterans. It’s something different to come out and support the vets and the truck,” Rosenberger said. “I saw their Facebook page and I contacted them and set up today.”
The whole process took about two weeks, Rosenberger said.
On hand for the short ceremony were the East Lee High School Color Guard and members of the Hot Flashz dance troupe, along with a few veterans who weren’t intimidated by the threatening skies.
The stone was provided by Alberto Torres Unik Marble and Granite, James Young from Young Enterprises did the engraving and the local VFW post donated the pavers.