The long-anticipated May 26 grand opening of Tualatin’s Veterans Plaza on the Lake of the Commons occurred with military precision. After Scouting America Troop 530 posted the colors, Emma Gray, chair of the Tualatin Parks Advisory Committee, noted that the ceremony was the “culmination of years of work and tireless dedication.”
Next up was new Parks and Recreation Director Dustin Schull, who said he wanted to “recognize groups of people” for their efforts to turn Veterans Plaza into a reality. He included the City Council and mayor, the Tualatin Parks Advisory Committee, stakeholders, and the veterans whose service inspired the Service-Inspired Art Selection Committee, the project team designers Shapiro Didway Planning & Design, and Paul Brothers Inc., the contractor.
Mayor Frank Bubenik, an Army veteran, welcomed everyone and noted that “today is super special to me. It is a day of remembrance of those who gave their lives to protect our freedom and defend our rights overseas.”
Bubenik praised Joe Lipscomb, who died last December, for advocating for the plaza. “It was his passion to have this happen and honor veterans from World War II forward,” Bubenik said. “He wanted a memorial where everybody, including the nurses, could be honored. This was one of the last things he talked about in the hospital to a committee member on the phone. He really wanted this place to be an honor for all those who have served.”
Bubenik paraphrased the famous line: “Our flag does not fly because the wind blows it; it flies with the last breath of every soldier who died defending it.”
Lipscomb’s daughter Mary Beth Luhnow talked about her dad’s passion for the plaza and how in his last days he was still coming up with ideas.
Washington County Commissioner Jason Snider noted that “many veterans never made it home, and we owe them a huge debt. Others came home with injuries for the rest of their lives. I am committed to make sure we never forget them.”
Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington noted that everyone was gathered there to honor veterans and added, “We owe a profound debt to those who gave their lives. I express my deepest gratitude to those families who sacrificed, and I have profound gratitude for those who served.”
Ree Armitage, representing Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), read a statement from Wyden thanking veterans for their service and was followed by Oregon Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-Dist. 6) who said, “This memorial will honor (veterans) in a lasting and meaningful way,” and she added that “this new plaza will forever stand as a monument to their sacrifice.”
With the speeches over, it was time for Mayor Bubenik to cut the ribbon, and the ceremony was over.
A plaque at the plaza reads: “Veterans Plaza – Dedicated to past, present, and future veterans, as well as the families who support them. Celebrating courage and commitment to connecting freedom.”
Veterans Plaza is the result of 900 community members providing input, while 650 determined its elements, so it truly represents the efforts of the entire community.
