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Page 1 of 12 Historical Info — Veterans Memorial Park in Cody, WY Background This park features monuments and memorials dedicated to Wyoming's military people killed during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Freedom Memorial which is dedicated to the men and women killed during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, the Iraq wars, the Cold War and other engagements, and during peace-time service. Wyoming State Veterans Memorial Park is classified as a Specialty Park. Specialty parks provide recreational opportunities based either on a natural feature of the site or unique facilities that may be offered there. Located: 2519 26th St, Cody, WY 82414 City-owned land (2 acres) Committee The Veterans Memorial Park Committee was created in 2012 and is comprised of 11 members. The Committee consists of veterans, at-large members, Councilmembers, City staff members, and WY State Parks representatives. The Committee will be charged with managing the park, setting bylaws in place and managing funds raised through purchased plaque memorials and scholarships. In addition they coordinate national and local events and projects, including the Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies. Committee member’s willingness to help with projects and park maintenance related items and projects is truly remarkable. Events Memorial Day Event—Memorial Day is a day set aside solely to remember & honor personnel who have given their lives for our Country while serving in the Armed Forces. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 2 of 12 Veterans Day— while those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served or are serving honorably in the military―in wartime or peacetime. Veterans Day program is offered at the School. Programs have also been planned at Memorial Park, but canceled many times due to inclement weather conditions. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day—December 7 *New event may be offered beginning in 2016*—National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is annually on December 7, commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II. Many American service men and women lost their lives or were injured on December 7, 1941. Flags Winter Flags at Veterans Memorial Park. Due to wind issues and flag damage, a schedule began on November 16, 2012 for one US flag and one Wyoming State flag fly during the winter windy season. Listed below are the days flags should be flown at all memorials in the park between December and May. U.S. Special Flag Flying Days January 1 New Year's Day January 20 Inauguration Day (every fourth year) 3rd Monday in January Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday 3rd Monday in February President's Day March Equinox Easter Sunday April 6 Army Day (Navy only) April 13 Thomas Jefferson's Birthday (Army only) April 14 Pan American Day (Embassies in Latin America) May 1 Loyalty Day/Law Day (Army only) December 7 Pearl Harbor Day (half-mast all day) December 17 Pan American Aviation Day (Embassies in Latin Am.) December 25 Christmas Day Memorial Park Fund ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 3 of 12 Memorial paver blocks are available to Honor Veterans of all branches of service who have served at any time or during any war or to recognize persons, families or entities who wish to support the State of Wyoming Memorial Park. The pavers are 12 inch square granite and are laid along the memorial walks that leads to the monuments throughout Veterans Memorial Park. Cost is $250 (more if desired). Monuments and Improvements August 21, 1973 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park Land 1973 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park (Land) Dedicated in 1973 1986 WY Vietnam Memorial Structure Dedicated on Veterans Day, November 11, 1986 To honor the citizens of Wyoming who lost their lives in the Vietnam conflict or who are missing in action 1965-1972 Designated the Official State Memorial by then-Governor Ed Memorial is owned by the State of WY Acres developed: 1.0 acres Memorial, landscaping Funded by State of WY and Vietnam Memorial Committee & community Benches (4)—wood built by Boy Scouts in 1994. Scouts also donated time to help vets & City employees plant trees and shrubs Monument added to State’s insurance coverage. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 4 of 12 2007 POW MIA Memorial 2007 This memorial is dedicated to those who have suffered and sacrificed as prisoners of war, and to those who are still missing. You are not forgotten and we will never rest until you are all returned home and accounted for. Monument, People of the Republic of Korea 2007 Who have shown their sincere appreciation for the service and the sacrifices men & women from WY have made while protecting their freedom. WY Army National Guard 2007 300th Armored Field Artillery Battalion ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 5 of 12 WY National Guard (Air Force & Army) 2007 Dedicated to the men & women who have served or are serving in the WY National Guard (Air Force & Army) who stand ready to answer the call to active service in times of emergency, disaster or conflict. OSS Memorial 2007 Dedicated to those special men & women who served so courageously, sacrificed without hesitation while serving with the Office of Strategic Services during WWII. IMO Soldiers, Sailors & Marines Year dedicated not known In Memory Of Soldiers, Sailors & Marines of Park County who gave their lives in service of their Country. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 6 of 12 Navy Anchor March 9, 2007 *This anchor was re- dedicated November 11, 2001 to the people who have served their Country in the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard & Merchant Marine* When plans for the Veterans Memorial Park were being developed. Plans to move the anchor to a prominent site within the park were made. All work was paid for by the City of Cody. Department of the Navy, Naval Historical Center. U.S. Historical Property on Loan to the City of Cody (Accession #67-282-A). On March 9, 2007, the above referenced property is currently on display on City property at the Chamber of Commerce here in Cody. It is well maintained and in good shape. Relocation of Anchor completed by Cowan Construction July 2007 City of Cody entered into a Professional Services Agreement with Engineering Associates of Cody in the amount of $36,000. This money was to be expended from the grant received by the State of Wyoming for this project. Two construction contracts were awarded to Wilson Brothers for dirt work, concrete work and retaining walls. Engineering services were provided for the construction of the War Memorial Park in Cody [Korean Memorial Association]. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 7 of 12 2008 State of Wyoming Veterans Memorial Park September 6, 2008 *Monument shows 2009* Proclaimed & Dedicated by Governor Dave Freudenthal SLIB Vietnam Memorial Improvements March 2008 Retaining Wall System Concrete work and monument bases Construction documents and site plan were completed by Engineering Associates for the City of Cody for the Korean War Memorial Korean War Memorial Dedicated September 6, 2008 Memorial to the WY men and women who served and sacrificed during the Korean War 1950-1953 Governor Dave Freudenthal and Counsel General Koo of the Republic of Korea were speakers. Governor Dave Freudenthal Proclamation signed April 18, 2006 as the State Korean War Memorial State of WY appropriated funds toward this project. The Korean War Association provided their efforts towards these very special community and state improvements. Total costs for the project was $362,773. The $300,000 appropriation that the City of Cody received was expended for the Korean War Memorial (Memorial Park) improvements. Construction Expenses: $262,603; Engineering: $37,397. WY Korean War Veterans Association incorporated through Secretary of State as a public benefit corporation ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 8 of 12 2009 WY Veterans Memorial Park Sponsor Monument Unveiling of the State of WY WWII Memorial Monument August 15, 2009 To honor the WY men& women who served and sacrificed in our military services during the Second World War 1941-1945 Dedicated by Governor Dave Freudenthal $200,000 grant from the State for memorial project Awards & Recognitions August 6, 2009 Congressional Record Wyoming World War II Memorial ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 9 of 12 2011 Enduring Freedom Memorial 2011 The Freedom Memorial in Cody's Wyoming Veterans Memorial Park lists the names of Wyoming men and women who died in military service anytime since the Vietnam War. Privy 2011 Installed vault toilet at Memorial Park Site plan was developed by Sage Civil Engineers for the City of Cody Monument, street to honor 1st Lt. Shane Childers Memorial Day 2011 A Memorial Day ceremony to honor the life and sacrifice of 1st Lt. Shane Childers of Powell, who was the first American serviceman to die in the Iraq war. Located in City easement The ceremony was held at the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Park in Cody and dedicated the nearby “Lt. Childers Street.” Blue Star Memorial A tribute to the Armed Forces that have defended the US of America Sponsored by Cody Garden Club in cooperation with Vietnam/Korean War Veterans and Christ Episcopal Church Located in City easement ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 10 of 12 2012 2014 Community Hero Awards 2012 Wyoming Vietnam Park Paul Clymer Meredith and Chriss Peart Diane Russell and the late Gordon Russell Gary Smith Wyoming Korean War Memorial Paul Rodriguez Gary Troxel Wyoming Korean & WWII War Memorial Chuck Eicher Vital role in making the Wyoming State Veteran's Memorial Park the Premier Public Park Buck Wilkerson Bob Davidson WWI Memorial Memorial Day, May 26, 2014 1914-1918 Dedicated by Governor Matt Mead To recognized, honor, and individually memorialize the WY citizens who were killed in action or died of wounds received in combat while serving in the military during World War I. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 11 of 12 2016 Future Plans and Project Ideas Parks Rules & Adopt by Resolution SOPS—Standard Operating Procedures Website Development & Promotion Directory for Pavers Fundraising State of Wyoming Financial Involvement War Dogs Memorial 2016 Location to be determined by VMP Committee Site being considered for the location of the War Dogs Memorial is in front of the Vietnam Memorial landscaped area Women in Service Memorial 2016 Location & discussions being considered State involvement will be necessary with the Women in Service Memorial Possible site near by the Navy Anchor ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 12 of 12 Potential Maintenance Items Replacing dead sod around WWII Memorial Repairing chips on stone pavers Rock work on the bank of the lake Replacing flowers and bushes Repainting flag poles