Wednesday, May 19, 2004

The National World War II Memorial will be dedicated May 29 in Washington, D.C. Rendering by Joe McKendry

 

Ketchum veteran to be honored

Pace to attend dedication of WWII memorial

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By GREGORY FOLEY
Express Staff Writer

Ketchum veteran Denny Pace will represent the Wood River Valley at a special May 29 ceremony to dedicate the new National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Pace, a former Air Force colonel and pilot of the renowned Lockheed P-38 World War II fighter plane, will attend the event as a representative of the David Ketchum Post of the American Legion.

"We are especially proud of Denny Pace and his accomplishments as a member of the Unites States Air Force," said Tom Johnson, commander of the David Ketchum Post. "We are very pleased to have him represent the Wood River Valley Legionnaires at this once in a lifetime event."

The National World War II Memorial opened for public viewing in April but will not be formally dedicated until Memorial Day weekend. Established by the American Battle Monuments Commission, it is the first national memorial dedicated to all Americans who served during World War II.

The memorial was authorized by Congress in 1993. Construction began in September 2001 after several years of fund raising and public hearings.

The official dedication celebration will span four days, from May 27 through 30.

Wood River Valley veterans interested in participating in the events can contact Johnson at 726-9431 or Maurice Charlat at 726-4092 to get details.

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