Wall of Honor deserves respect

To the editor,

I attended the Wasilla City Council meeting Tuesday, Oct. 27, voicing my opinion as one of those opposing the moving of the veterans Wall of Honor Memorial from its present site to a new location. The input from five of the veterans groups present (American Legion Post 15, American Legion Post 35, VFW Post 9365, AMVETS Post 9, AMVETS Post 11, along with their auxiliaries) were not in unanimous agreement for the movement of the memorial.

The article is written by Brian O’Connor for the Frontiersman could be misleading, as the interpretation could mean that a lease was approved between the city and the veterans groups named above.

To my knowledge, there was not a unanimous lease agreement between the City of Wasilla and all of the so-named veterans groups.

I have been involved with the Veterans Wall of Honor Memorial for approximately 10 years. During this time, statewide veterans and organizations have taken part in the memorial wall ceremonies, and many individuals have their names imbedded in the memorial. Also, others have their ashes placed on or near the memorial wall. As the previous borough mayor Larry DeVilbiss stated at the 2015 Memorial Day ceremony at the Wall of Honor, “as far as we are concerned this is holy ground.”

There are approximately 10,000 veterans and family members in the Mat-Su Borough. Let us show them the respect that is due and let them know they have a say in the proposed move of the Wall of Honor.

I’m outraged at the appearance of our city, borough and state governments, as well as individuals and private entities who allow economic issues and pressures to override our respect and remembrance for those who have done a military service commitment and the many more who have given their all for this country so we can have entities such as a Veterans Wall of Honor Memorial.

Pleas call your borough assembly member or attend the meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. to give your input.

William Lyle

Wasilla