July 1 marks start of construction at Snoqualmie Valley Veteran's Memorial

Years of effort, fundraising and patience by a group of patriotic Valley residents culminates at 1 p.m. Friday, July 1, with the start of construction of the new Snoqualmie Valley Veteran’s Memorial.

“It’s finally here,” said Chris Chartier, Snoqualmie Valley Veteran’s Memorial Committee chairwoman. “It’s going to be built!”

Mr. K’s Construction of North Bend will build memorial park in the empty lot next to the American Legion’s Renton-Pickering Post on River Street in downtown Snoqualmie.

An potluck is planned for 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The public and local veterans are invited to share a meal with the construction crew.

An unveiling is planned for Veteran’s Day, 11-11-11.

Names of the Valley's men and women who died in service to their nation, from the current conflict back to the Spanish-American War, will be inscribed on a four-by-seven-foot block of granite at the heart of the memorial, to be carved in the shape of Mount Si. Carving will begin this summer. Puget Sound Energy is also donating stone from its Snoqualmie Falls renovation project.

The monument will continue to take shape as residents buy memorial bricks to fill out the brick plaza.

A $100 brick paver can be inscribed with a name or message, as a memorial, tribute or proclamation.

"Anyone can purchase a brick," said memorial committee member Chris Chartier. "A person does not have to have a friend or a relative who is a veteran."

Bricks are for anyone who wants to be patriotic or support the monument, she said.

"You could do 'God Bless America,' 'The Smith family supports the troops,'" Chartier added. "It would be a great way to a lasting part of Valley history."

To order a brick or get involved, contact Chartier at (425) 888-9152 or by cell at (425) 802-5174.

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