11/09/08
The Freedom Bridge Project could receive a real boost Tuesday when the project’s Foundation Committee is awarded the Luke Award in recognition of the committee’s commitment to honoring Veterans and soldiers.
“We are very, very excited about receiving the award,” City Councilmember and President of the Freedom Bridge Foundation Committee Brian Wedemeyer said. “I think it is a sign we are starting to make noise outside the city limits.”
The committee is being recognized for its efforts to establish a Memorial Walkway along the channel, in addition to its work to bring attention to Veterans and soldiers with the Freedom Park.
Wedemeyer is hoping the award can bring statewide recognition to the Freedom Bridge Project, which he believes could help the city’s economy once it is built.
“I think it is another thing to raise awareness outside the community,” he said. “The only way to raise enough money (for the bridge) is to sell bricks outside the city.”
The ceremony will take place Veteran’s Day in Bullhead City at 2 p.m. Wedermeyer said he, Gary Meyers, Chairman of the Freedom Bridge Foundation and Larry Robinson, Executive Director of the foundation, would be on hand to accept the award.
One of several recipients of the award, the committee will receive the award for Organization.
Awards are handed out in seven categories, including Government, Media, Business, Organization, Youth, Individual Male, Individual Female and Veterans United Inc. Member.
Other recipients include, the Bullhead City Fire Department for their support of the American Veterans Memorial Park, Our Town Magazine for their promotion of the Memorial Park and Pillar Academy at Aha Macav High School in the Youth category for their attendance at the Patriot Day Ceremony, among others.
Lt. Frank Luke is a Medal of Honor award winner, recognized for his heroism in World War I. Luke was credited with shooting down 18 enemy aircraft, including several enemy observation balloons during the war. A Phoenix native, his fellow soldiers knew Luke as the “Arizona Balloon Buster” before he was killed in action during his last mission. Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, AZ is named after him.
Wedemeyer said he is not sure what the award would consist of, but he indicated if the award is some sort of monument or trophy it could be something that would fit nicely down near the bridge, once it is built.
Efforts to bring about more recognition are already underway. Wedermeyer said the committee is expecting the first shipment of Freedom Bricks to arrive soon. On Dec. 13, the committee will hold a ceremony down open to the public at the Memorial Riverwalk. 600 bricks are due to be shipped.
The “76 Moments of Freedom” historical essay contest for Lake Havasu City students should follow shortly thereafter.
In March 2009, the committee and Lake Havasu City will welcome the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, an event that will include the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall and give Veterans and families the opportunity to bond in recognition of those soldiers who have fought and are still fighting in service to the United States.
The AVTT event is tentatively scheduled for March 25-29 at Windsor Beach State Park.
Wedemeyer is enthusiastic about what the foundation committee has in-store, for now, and he says the Luke Award is justification of the organization’s accomplishments.
“We have a lot of things in the works, and this is really a highlight of a successful year,” Wedemeyer said.
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