Norman — Organizers of the Cleveland County Veterans Memorial at Reaves Park have started a push to get more names — and especially those of Vietnam-era veterans — engraved on the black marble tablets in time for this year’s Fourth of July celebration.
Veterans need to turn in their applications and documentation by April 15 for their names to be included by the July 4th Norman Day celebration at the park on the city’s south side. There is no charge for the listing. Applications are available at the city parks and recreation offices, 201C W. Gray St. or online at www.normanfun.com.
Thousands of additional visitors are expected this year as Norman Day has been chosen as one of three sites for the Year of the Vietnam Veteran celebration. Gov. Brad Henry is expected to make the announcement March 30 and provide details of the celebrations that will be on July 2 in Tulsa, July 3 in Oklahoma City and July 4 in Norman.
City parks and recreation director Jud Foster said anyone who served in the military and who was born in Cleveland County, ever lived here or served here is eligible for the free listing.
Memorial organizers said there are 1,965 names engraved on nine full tablets with another 62 ready to go. The memorial can accommodate hundreds more names.
“We want to encourage all veterans and their families to submit names by April 15 in order to have time to get them engraved for people to see by the Fourth of July,” Foster said.
Major Gen. Myles L. Deering, the state’s adjutant general and a longtime Norman resident, said the Norman celebration will include bands, static displays, a military flyover, expanded fireworks and children’s activities. A replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall also will be on display at the park.
This year’s Norman Day will have a military theme and will allow the community to thank Vietnam veterans for their service, something that didn’t always happen when they returned, organizers said.
“We can’t go back and undo the disparity but we can still thank them for their service,” Deering said.
