October 24, 2009

 

 

Chandler will unveil a new interpretive history kiosk that recognizes World War II veterans on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. The kiosk is part of the City’s award-winning History in Your Own Backyard program that shares local history with residents in areas surrounding select City parks.

This new kiosk highlights the story of the Honor Roll billboard that was erected in the park in May 1943, at the height of World War II. This sign listed the names of men and women serving in the military who came from Chandler and small neighboring communities like Higley, Queen Creek, Chandler Heights and Goodyear. By April of 1945, the Honor Roll featured over 700 names. The City replaced the billboard with a permanent veterans memorial in 1949.

The kiosk also tells the story of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, the City’s oldest park.

Chandler City Councilmember Matt Orlando, a recently retired Colonel in the Arizona Air National Guard, will speak at the kiosk dedication. Members of American Legion Post 35 and Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 7401 will also participate in the ceremony. Other City Council members, the Chandler Parks & Recreation and Museum Advisory boards, and members of long-time Chandler families will also be in attendance.

At 1:30 p.m. the event will move to the nearby Chandler Museum. A panel of local World War II veterans will share stories about their experiences. Museum staff will also preview a new City Web site that shares the stories of Honor Roll veterans. Festivities conclude at 2:30 p.m.

This free event is open to the public and sponsored by the Chandler Museum’s Public History Program. For more information call 480-782-2751 or go to www.chandleraz.gov/history.