Members of Squadron 129 in Jacksonville Beach spearheaded a memorial honoring those who died in service in Korea and Vietnam.
A project three years in the making, led by Sons of The American Legion Squadron 129 in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., pays tribute to local servicemembers who died in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
The memorials, which also honor those who died in America’s undeclared wars, were unveiled Dec. 14 in front of Post 129.
“It is satisfying that we finally got it installed to memorialize the many servicemembers who served, their families — and especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during these armed conflicts and wars to protect our freedoms,” said SAL member Dave Breitenstein.
Post 129 Treasurer Jim Wineland approached Squadron 129 member Brian Haught with the project in 2022, and Haught developed pillar designs with John Allan of AAA Monuments.
Breitenstein later spearheaded the design and proposal to fund the new monument. As part of the project — funded by almost $25,000 in donations — the post’s bell tower was also renovated.
“A special thank-you goes out to the SAL leadership team and Legion leadership team for funding and approving the project, including our late commander Joe Mailchle and current commander Jeff Durden, who both championed the project,” Breitenstein said.
- Sons