Walk to Remember

Rain or shine, organizers are expecting close to 500 people today at the 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for the Veterans Walk of Honor memorial park in Anderson.

The memorial park is located at 1901 East Center St., between Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel and the Firehouse Lounge.

“We’ve got people flying in from San Diego and Los Angeles just for this event,” said James Yarbrough, member of the Anderson City Council who conceived the project in a dream one night in early February 2010.

A large tent will be erected in the street outside the memorial park’s west entrance to protect dignitaries and special guests from the elements, he said.

“It’s really coming together. We are excited,” Yarbrough commented on the project that is in its final construction phase this week.

“It’s all coming down to the wire. The plants and trees are all going in today. The benches will be installed Wednesday or Thursday, and the decorative bark will be put down Thursday,” he said Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The dedication service includes patriotic songs performed by Chris McCandless and Donna Frampton, a presentation of colors by the National Guard, a prayer of dedication by former Anderson Mayor and retired pastor Jim Logan, 78, a ribbon-cutting, flag-raising and name plate unveiling.

The program will conclude with Robert Skinner performing “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes and a lone trumpeter playing “Taps.”

“I’ve never planned anything on this scale before. Just a couple of church dedications,” saidYarbrough, who offered that he is slightly overwhelmed with all of the logistical planning that is necessary.

“We’ve got a meeting Thursday night to iron out the last few details. But this is all being done for the Veterans. That is the way I look at it,” he said.