City of Derby News Release
Derby Area Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony
November 4, 2011
You’re invited to attend the dedication ceremony for the Derby Area Veterans Memorial Walk of Freedom on Friday, November 11 at 2:00 p.m. at Garrett Park, 1100 E. Chet Smith Avenue (between Rock Road and Woodlawn). Parking is available on-site and across the street at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1062 Chet Smith Ave.
“The park provides a perfect location for this lasting tribute to all those who have served and who have a connection to the Derby area,” said Derby Mayor Dion Avello. “The City is proud to honor our veterans and to use the memorial to educate our young people about military service.”
The American Legion Riders from Post 408 Derby will serve as the entrance escort, the McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard will present the colors, and the Derby High School Madrigals will sing the National Anthem. Members of the Derby High School Air Force JROTC will assist with parking, distribute programs, and serve refreshments. Attendees will hear stories about the nearly 200 Derby-area veterans honored with memorial bricks.
Former Derby resident and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Merlyn H. Dethlefsen will be posthumously honored through a presentation by Colonel Thomas J. Riney, Operations Group Commander at McConnell Air Force Base (MAFB). In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson presented the nation’s highest award for military valor to then Major Dethlefsen after he flew his 76th mission in Vietnam. Major Dethlefsen went on to fly a total of 100 missions before his retirement in 1977 with the rank of colonel. An Iowa native, Colonel Dethlefsen lived in Derby while he was stationed at MAFB. He died of natural causes in 1987. Colonel Dethlefsen’s son, Jeff Dethlefsen, plans to attend from his home in Louisiana.
“Walking along the Walk of Freedom’s quarter mile of concrete pathway provides ample opportunity to reflect on the value of our freedom, as well as its cost,” said Linda Bode, Board Chairperson of the Derby Community Foundation. “The service of the military is greatly appreciated in Derby, and our appreciation extends to local businesses who donated their services to make this memorial a reality, including Phillips Southern Electric, Rodriguez Flatwork, Andale Ready Mix, and TenderCare Lawn and Landscaping.”
The memorial project is a joint effort of the Derby Community Foundation and the City of Derby led by a committee of residents and family members of veterans. The goal is to make this dedication ceremony an annual event as more bricks are added to the memorial. Bricks purchased by August 1, 2012 ($120) will be installed for the 2012 Veterans Day dedication ceremony. Participation forms are available at the Derby Welcome Center, 611 Mulberry Rd. (788-9003), by contacting the Derby Community Foundation at 788-9815 or download your Participation Form.
The Derby Community Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to inspire vision and generosity in the Derby community. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has provided the service of receiving financial gifts, investing the funds, and directing the earnings into community improvement projects. Annually, the Foundation provides grants to a range of organizations throughout the Derby area.
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