WISH LIST

The plaza will always be a work in progress, as it was when it began with the flag poles and dedicatory stone in 1998. My father didn't live to see the 14th etched marble mural placed in 2005 but he had selected the image that later appeared on the Iraq Freedom mural.

As I've spent time in the plaza and with veterans throughout the county I've been continually inspired by them to add to the memorials. But as my father before me, it's imperative to the integrity of the veterans plaza that no public money be used in creating it. This community has been incredibly generous since 1998 to fund what exists there now and I'm sure as we move into the future that generosity will continue.

Here's the vision of what would enhance the Ronald D. Rankin Veterans Memorial Plaza:


An informational pedistal that gives the history of the plaza, a brief overview of Ronald D. Rankin and descriptions of the existing memorials ... the etched marble murals, the 8-ton black marble Killed in Action monument, the Purple Heart Honor Roll, and the Hall of Heroes. This would be educational for the public as they view the various memorials.

Additional memorials; the 8-ton black granite KIA monument recognizes local heroes from the Spanish American War through Vietnam, adding one for those who died on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan is needed, also a monument to represent Prisoners of War and Missing in Action soldiers from Kootenai County and one representing the contributions of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and Native Americans in US Military history are also on the list.

Contact Kerri Rankin Thoreson - rkthor52@aol.com if you'd like more information.