How many WWII memorials
are in Friday Harbor's future?
posted 11/20/00
The Port of Friday Harbor presented plans for its new turnaround in front of the Port office to Friday Harbor Town Council two months ago. Included in the plans is a place for a memorial for those who served in World War II. So Port Commission Chair Greg Hertel was surprised when he read about Friday Harbor Mayor Gary Boothman's proposal for a WWII memorial for Memorial Park.
The port has already had preliminary talks with the American Legion about the port's project. According to Hertel, Friday Harbor House has tentatively agreed to contribute to the cause.
"It would mirror the look of Memorial (Circle) Park," Hertel said in an interview Sunday, Nov. 19. The memorial would be placed along with trees and flagpoles in the middle of the turnaround.
The port will be contacting the Women's Study Club before any final design is chosen. The Women's Study Club designed and raised the funds for Memorial Park which features a WWI memorial.
While the memorial and flags will serve as a focal point, the main focus of the port's plans is improving safety. "We need to create better traffic flow," said Hertel. "Drivers won't have to back up to turn-around." The design will accommodate the shuttle buses used by local hotels.
A new custom's office at the head of the main pier is also part of the plans which are available for view in the Port office in Friday Harbor.
The Port is pursuing funding for the construction. According to Hertel, the port commissioners are confident they will be able to obtain federal funds for the intermodal project. If all goes well, construction will take place in spring 2002.
|
Memorial for WWII vets discussed
posted 11/17/00
Friday Harbor Mayor Gary Boothman would like to see a memorial for those who fought in World War II placed in Memorial (Circle) Park. He ran the idea past the members of the Rusty Zipper club. The World War II vets were ready to pull out their wallets and donate to the cause, he told the Town Council at their meeting Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000.
The council agreed with Boothman's suggestion to set aside $2,000 for a design contest. Councilman Bill LaPorte said, "It's an admirable idea. I very much think we should have a memorial, but I want to do it in conjunction with the Legion. We ought to be in touch with the Legion and the Study Club."
Councilwoman Hedda King suggested the council should not overlook the other two conflicts -- Korea and Vietnam.
Boothman agreed with King but noted there is more of an urgency to honor the World War II vets.
|
