Work Underway in Henderson for Additional Display Honoring Veterans

By Chuck N. Baker
(Henderson) — In Southern Nevada, it may be difficult to name one city over another that does more to honor veterans. Bountiful Las Vegas can boast of several memorials, including the recent addition of a solemn area featuring larger than life sculptures of warriors located in front of the State’s Grant Sawyer Building. Pahrump has only a handful of memorials, but as an unincorporated town, it does well for itself and is not to be faulted. Boulder City perhaps is the leader, as it is the location of a State veterans home, a State veterans cemetery and several veterans memorials framing the city.

But what about Henderson? That’s the city to the east of Las Vegas that’s home to the celebrated Green Valley neighborhood, namesake of the late journalist and WWII veteran, Hank Greenspun. Henderson often finds itself folded into Greater Las Vegas. But fear not, it’s a city all its own, currently headed by Mayor Debra March, whose son is an Army veteran. And it is a major player when it comes to honoring veterans, including being the location of the public Purple Heart Plaza that entices all visitors to stop and rest momentarily as they traverse the city.

In early May, Henderson has added to its legacy of honoring veterans by developing a Memorial Plaque Display. The names of those honored are of individuals who served in Vietnam; resided in Southern Nevada (many in Henderson) and who recently passed away while being indigent.

Members of Henderson’s Department of Government and Public Affairs and other city staff members worked with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1076 to develop the display, located inside the Heritage Park Senior Facility. Cory Clark, the city’s Recreational Service Manager, said “We’re proud our facility was selected to display the plaques,” which contain 336 names.

The names were provided by Chris Naylor, the supervisor of the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. They are installed on a total of seven plaques and will be attached on a memorial wall that is now being developed. Henderson Councilwoman Gerri Schroder spoke to the audience of veterans and family members adding, “It’s important to take the time to recognize veterans.”

Henderson resident Ellen Stoddard was in attendance and brought framed photos of her two brothers Raymond and Howard, who she said served in Vietnam. She reported the men returned safely from the war, “I attend many ceremonies, such as this one, to honor our veterans.” She said.

Also part of the event was Vietnam veteran Paul Scott, Sergeant-at-Arms of Vietnam Veterans of America Post 1076. The post was the catalyst that brought the idea of the display to the attention of the city. The post also helped to raise donations for the plaques.