10/28/08
Veterans United Inc. has selected the Freedom Bridge Foundation as this year’s recipient of the Organizational Luke Award, named after Arizona’s Medal of Honor recipient, Frank Luke.
The Luke Awards are presented annually in various categories, including Individual Male, Individual Female, Government, Media, Business, Youth and Veterans United Member. Frank Luke was a World War I aviator who died in combat.
The Freedom Bridge Foundation is a non-profit group raising money to enhance an already-planned bridge construction project in Lake Havasu City. The Freedom Bridge, to be located about a half-mile north of the world famous London Bridge, will honor all Veterans, past and present.
“Your organization was selected for your efforts to create and pay for all the enhancements to the entire Freedom Bridge project, without any additional costs to citizens,” wrote Mark Crough, managing director of Veterans United.
The proposed enhancements, including an improved bridge design and a Memorial Park on adjacent property, “would be a compliment to the grand London Bridge while being an additional visitor attraction itself,” Crough wrote.
The Foundation’s primary fundraiser is through the sale of engraved bricks along the Memorial Walkway connecting the two bridges. The Memorial Walkway also will feature the “76 Moments of Freedom,” which is currently being developed by Arizona State University’s public history program. To purchase an engraved brick, visit www.havasufreedombridge.com.
Based in Bullhead City, Veterans United is dedicated to perpetuating the memory of America’s fallen service members. The Luke Awards will be presented on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at Arizona Veterans Memorial Park in Bullhead City.
“We are truly honored to be receiving this award,” said Freedom Bridge Foundation President Brian Wedemeyer. “The Foundation’s volunteers are working tirelessly to create a Veterans Memorial like no other in the country, and it’s wonderful to be recognized for those efforts.”
SOLDIERS WELCOMED WARMLY TO LAKE HAVASU CITY
09/24/08A group of 25 riders with the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride were in Lake Havasu City Wednesday, and they were welcomed with open arms.
The riders were on the second of three legs that are part of the High Desert Challenge, one of several rides the Wounded Warrior Project organizes. The first leg was in Phoenix on Tuesday, with the final being in Las Vegas Thursday. “Many of these men and women have been physically active throughout their lives. Soldier Ride offers these brave individuals the chance to get on a bike and prove to themselves, ‘I ca
n still do this.’ Soldier Ride is not about politics; it's not about the war. It's simply about the soldiers,” said Woody Groton Soldier Ride National Tour Director.The Wounded Warrior Project itself is a national organization aimed at getting the men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan the support they need. According to the group’s website, the organization was founded after members saw the needs of soldiers who were wounded while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. “They realized that something needed to be done for these brave individuals beyond the brass bands and ticker tape parades. They wanted to provide tangible support for the severely wounded to help them on the road to heal both physically and mentally,” said Groton.
The soldiers were welcomed in to town Tuesday evening escorted by members of the Arizona Patriot Guard, as well as the Havasu Patriots, composed of the American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders, and Blue Star Mothers. Dozens more welcomed them, flags waving as they got off the bus at the Hampton Inn where they stayed. A hot dinner awaited them, provided by the Havasu Fraternal Order of Police, radio stations KJJJ/KNTR, Lakeview Family Dental and Mohave Wireless.
The evening’s reception was just a low key event, as organizers were unsure when the riders would be able to come into town, due to traffic and other variables. The main event came Wednesday morning, as hundreds of people showed up in the English Village beneath the London Bridge for a celebration.
“It was such an amazing turnout, so many people wanted to come and show their support to these heroes,” said Jarrod Lyman, vice president of the Lake Havasu City Convention and Visitors Bureau, and one of the event organizers. “We all talk about supporting the troops, we see bumper stickers and what not, but this was something tangible, a true way of showing these men and women that their sacrifices aren’t taken for granted. They are appreciated.”
Gary Meyers, Freedom Bridge Committee chairman and another event organizer, agreed. “I’ve been in Lake Havasu City for eight years, and this is one of the biggest, and certainly the most important event I’ve ever seen here. You could tell, this meant a lot to the soldiers.”
“One rider told me that he’s been doing this since 2004, and has never seen such a reception. What really got me is when he said seeing this kind of turn out made everything he went through over there worthwhile, knowing that back home he was a hero,” Lyman said. It was a story echoed by other event volunteers, who said their conversations with the soldiers were similar.
Brian Wedemeyer, a Lake Havasu City Councilman and President of the Freedom Bridge Foundation, spoke to the crowd and soldiers. “Lake Havasu City has played host to a lot of famous people. Rappers, rockers, professional athletes, award winning authors and even a hall of fame golfer. You are the most important people to ever visit Lake Havasu City. You are the true heroes,” he said.
Lake Havasu City Mayor Mark Nexsen spoke about the support of the city for the men and women who serve, and presented Groton with a mayoral proclamation: “Whereas, the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride has honored Lake Havasu City by making us a stop on their tour, whereas Lake Havasu City and its residents support the men and women who sacrifice so much in the name of freedom and for our country, whereas, this city and the quality of life we enjoy is a testament to the American spirit, embodied by the very heroes we have here today, whereas we now stand at the base of this city’s memorial to those who served our great nation and begin the Freedom Bridge project, now therefore, I, Mark Nexsen, Mayor of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, do hereby proclaim September 24, 2008 as Soldier Ride Day.
Serving as keynote speaker was Jim Weiers, Arizona Speaker of the House of Representatives. He too thanked the riders, illustrating how important it is to acknowledge the sacrifices made by our soldiers. His statements hit home as members of the audience and the riders themselves could be seen nodding in agreement.
The final element of the ceremony was the presentation of memorial bricks, engraved with the names of the soldiers, to be the first laid in the new Memorial Walkway. The walkway is part of the Freedom Bridge efforts, aimed at constructing a second bridge that will not only serve as a companion to the world famous London Bridge, but also compliment it as well. The entire project, from the bridge, to the walkway, and other elements planned for this massive undertaking, will serve as a tremendous memorial to the men and women of the armed forces.
“What more of a lasting impression can we make on these men and women who gave so much of themselves for our country, than by immortalizing them in this memorial to those who serve in our armed forces,” said Meyers, “These are the very people this project is dedicated to,” he said.
The walkway will run from the base of the London Bridge, to the base of the Freedom Bridge. The walkway construction has already begun, but the Freedom Bridge construction is still in planning stages.
The riders left Lake Havasu City knowing that the residents of this desert city along the Colorado River appreciate them. As they moved on to Las Vegas, gearing up for more events, perhaps the wounds that cannot be seen were a little closer to being healed.
-END-
More info:
www.woundedwarriorpoject.org
www.havasufreedombridge.com
Photo cutlines:
Bricks: Soldier Riders pose at the start of the Memorial Walkway with the bricks purchased in their names. The bricks were the first laid in the Memorial Walkway, which starts beneath the world famous London Bridge, and leads to the planned site of the Freedom Bridge.
Anthem Salute2: Soldiers salute during a playing of the National Anthem by the Lake Havasu High School Band of Knights during a dedication ceremony Wednesday.
Crowd and Riders: Hundreds showed up to show support for the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride Wednesday in Lake Havasu City.
Brian Speaks: Lake Havasu City Councilman Brian Wedemeyer, who also serves as the President of the Freedom Bridge Foundation, speaks at a dedication ceremony for the Wounded Warrior Projects Soldier Ride Wednesday morning. He said while Lake Havasu City has played host to countless celebrities, the soldiers were the most important guests, and the truest heroes, the city has ever hosted.
PAIR OF PATRIOTIC UNVEILINGS
09/23/08
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – Efforts of the Freedom Bridge Foundation took a giant step forward Monday evening as a pair of events brought attention to the project and the people it honors.
More than 150 people were on hand for the national debut of Who Will Stand, a documentary showing the struggles of a dozen soldiers who have returned from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars with either physical or psychological wounds. “This was a powerful film that shows how important it is to support our fighting men and women,” said Gary Meyers, Freedom Bridge Foundation Chair, who organized the debut. “These people need more than bumper stickers and rallies, they need true help, and we mustn’t let them down,” he said.
Phil Valentine, the film’s director and producer said research into what soldiers deal with when returning from battle made him feel compelled to do this movie. “When we started to interview soldiers, we found that the percentage of those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was much higher than what the military and VA (Us Department of Veterans Affairs) was rating. They have a rating of 11 to 18 percent, but we couldn’t find a nongovernmental therapist or doctor or soldier who came close to that number,” he said, “So when we found out that we’ve been hearing in the media isn’t the same story we were being told by the soldiers and their families, we came interesting in doing a documentary that would tell their story without any sort of spin,” he said.
According to Valentine, the movie had a very dramatic effect on the people who watched it. “It was all overwhelming. I’ve never been to a screening where people who watch the film hugged me. I’ve been to screenings were people shake your hand and say they like the movie, but people had tears in their eyes and actually hugged us. That was unexpected,” he said.
While the first event was a somber acknowledgement of the sacrifices soldiers make, the second event Monday evening was more of a celebration of their life and the freedom’s they protect as Barley Brothers’ Brewery unveiled its Freedom Brick Amber Lager. Described as a lighter type of red ale, it drew rave reviews from the crowd.
“The people absolutely loved it,” Meyers said. “They were going back for seconds and thirds at the unveiling. It was very well received.”
The ale is described as a “[C]lassic long term cold conditioned amber lager with a very smooth, refined finish,” according to Dena Weatherson, Barley Brothers General Manager. “We tried to make something that would be enjoyed by all beer drinkers,” she said.
A percentage of the revenue from each beer sold will also go to the Freedom Bridge Project. “Obviously from a community standpoint, it’s a natural to have a tie in with the second bridge, to show support and enthusiasm,” said Thom Felke, who is the General Manager for the Shugrue’s family of restaurants, including Barley Brothers. “We absolutely wanted to jump in head first and give to the cause. If we can get on board and support it any way we can, that’s the way to do it.”
The two events lead up to the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride, which will be in Lake Havasu City Wednesday morning. A special ceremony welcoming the soldiers and seeing them off on their 25 mile ride through the city starts at 8:00 am beneath the London Bridge on the mainland side. The event will include a mayoral proclamation, speech from Arizona Speaker of the House of Representatives Jim Weiers and a ceremony dedicating the first segment of the Memorial Walkway to the soldiers taking part in the ride. The public is asked to attend.
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – Efforts of the Freedom Bridge Foundation took a giant step forward Monday evening as a pair of events brought attention to the project and the people it honors.
More than 150 people were on hand for the national debut of Who Will Stand, a documentary showing the struggles of a dozen soldiers who have returned from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars with either physical or psychological wounds. “This was a powerful film that shows how important it is to support our fighting men and women,” said Gary Meyers, Freedom Bridge Foundation Chair, who organized the debut. “These people need more than bumper stickers and rallies, they need true help, and we mustn’t let them down,” he said.
Phil Valentine, the film’s director and producer said research into what soldiers deal with when returning from battle made him feel compelled to do this movie. “When we started to interview soldiers, we found that the percentage of those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was much higher than what the military and VA (Us Department of Veterans Affairs) was rating. They have a rating of 11 to 18 percent, but we couldn’t find a nongovernmental therapist or doctor or soldier who came close to that number,” he said, “So when we found out that we’ve been hearing in the media isn’t the same story we were being told by the soldiers and their families, we came interesting in doing a documentary that would tell their story without any sort of spin,” he said.
According to Valentine, the movie had a very dramatic effect on the people who watched it. “It was all overwhelming. I’ve never been to a screening where people who watch the film hugged me. I’ve been to screenings were people shake your hand and say they like the movie, but people had tears in their eyes and actually hugged us. That was unexpected,” he said.
While the first event was a somber acknowledgement of the sacrifices soldiers make, the second event Monday evening was more of a celebration of their life and the freedom’s they protect as Barley Brothers’ Brewery unveiled its Freedom Brick Amber Lager. Described as a lighter type of red ale, it drew rave reviews from the crowd.
“The people absolutely loved it,” Meyers said. “They were going back for seconds and thirds at the unveiling. It was very well received.”
The ale is described as a “[C]lassic long term cold conditioned amber lager with a very smooth, refined finish,” according to Dena Weatherson, Barley Brothers General Manager. “We tried to make something that would be enjoyed by all beer drinkers,” she said.
A percentage of the revenue from each beer sold will also go to the Freedom Bridge Project. “Obviously from a community standpoint, it’s a natural to have a tie in with the second bridge, to show support and enthusiasm,” said Thom Felke, who is the General Manager for the Shugrue’s family of restaurants, including Barley Brothers. “We absolutely wanted to jump in head first and give to the cause. If we can get on board and support it any way we can, that’s the way to do it.”
The two events lead up to the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride, which will be in Lake Havasu City Wednesday morning. A special ceremony welcoming the soldiers and seeing them off on their 25 mile ride through the city starts at 8:00 am beneath the London Bridge on the mainland side. The event will include a mayoral proclamation, speech from Arizona Speaker of the House of Representatives Jim Weiers and a ceremony dedicating the first segment of the Memorial Walkway to the soldiers taking part in the ride. The public is asked to attend.
FREEDOM BRIDGE FOUNDATION TEAM UP WITH ASU. "76 MOMENTS OF FREEDOM"
09/10/08
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – The Freedom Bridge Foundation today announced it has teamed up with Arizona State University’s nationally-acclaimed Public History Program to develop the “76 Moments of Freedom” for the Memorial Walkway.
“The Public History Program at Arizona State University is extremely excited to be part of a project which we hope will allow both residents of Lake Havasu City and visitors to explore and discuss the various dimensions of freedom in such an ideal location,” said Professor Brooks Simpson, ASU’s principal investigator for the project. “We believe the result will leave a lasting impression on anyone who comes to Lake Havasu City.”
When completed, the Memorial Walkway along the Bridgewater Channel will connect the world famous London Bridge with the planned Freedom Bridge, which is scheduled for completion as early as 2012. In addition to thousands of engraved bricks, the “76 Moments of Freedom” will tell the story of America’s ongoing pursuit of freedom.
“Selecting and interpreting these very important events in American history is no easy task,” said Brian Wedemeyer, Freedom Bridge Foundation President. “We really wanted an established authority on history to help us with this very important assignment.”
ASU’s Public History Program has worked with several state institutions over the past decade, including State Archives, AZ State Historical Society, Arizona Humanities Council, Arizona State Preservation Office, Tempe Historical Museum, Pueblo Grande Museum and others. It is currently involved with three National Park Service projects.
One of the program’s top graduate students has been assigned to the Lake Havasu City project, under the close guidance of Simpson – an internationally-known scholar and expert on Presidential administrations, the Civil War and other topics. Simpson has consulted for Civil War battlefields and the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Ill.
Professor Noel Stowe, who recently received the 2008 Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award for outstanding achievement in preserving Arizona’s historic resources, also will be closely involved with the Memorial Walkway project.
The historical markers for the “76 Moments of Freedom” will include a brief description of each event, along with a student essay about how the event advanced America’s pursuit of freedom.
Three Lake Havasu City students recently won the honor of writing the essays for the first historical markers. The Public History Program also will help with the initial planning of a statewide essay contest to begin in a few months.
Proceeds from the sale of engraved bricks along the Memorial Walkway will benefit the Freedom Bridge enhancement project – including an upgraded bridge design, a Veterans park and other improvements. Engraved bricks are now on sale at www.havasufreedombridge.com.
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – The Freedom Bridge Foundation today announced it has teamed up with Arizona State University’s nationally-acclaimed Public History Program to develop the “76 Moments of Freedom” for the Memorial Walkway.
“The Public History Program at Arizona State University is extremely excited to be part of a project which we hope will allow both residents of Lake Havasu City and visitors to explore and discuss the various dimensions of freedom in such an ideal location,” said Professor Brooks Simpson, ASU’s principal investigator for the project. “We believe the result will leave a lasting impression on anyone who comes to Lake Havasu City.”
When completed, the Memorial Walkway along the Bridgewater Channel will connect the world famous London Bridge with the planned Freedom Bridge, which is scheduled for completion as early as 2012. In addition to thousands of engraved bricks, the “76 Moments of Freedom” will tell the story of America’s ongoing pursuit of freedom.
“Selecting and interpreting these very important events in American history is no easy task,” said Brian Wedemeyer, Freedom Bridge Foundation President. “We really wanted an established authority on history to help us with this very important assignment.”
ASU’s Public History Program has worked with several state institutions over the past decade, including State Archives, AZ State Historical Society, Arizona Humanities Council, Arizona State Preservation Office, Tempe Historical Museum, Pueblo Grande Museum and others. It is currently involved with three National Park Service projects.
One of the program’s top graduate students has been assigned to the Lake Havasu City project, under the close guidance of Simpson – an internationally-known scholar and expert on Presidential administrations, the Civil War and other topics. Simpson has consulted for Civil War battlefields and the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Ill.
Professor Noel Stowe, who recently received the 2008 Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award for outstanding achievement in preserving Arizona’s historic resources, also will be closely involved with the Memorial Walkway project.
The historical markers for the “76 Moments of Freedom” will include a brief description of each event, along with a student essay about how the event advanced America’s pursuit of freedom.
Three Lake Havasu City students recently won the honor of writing the essays for the first historical markers. The Public History Program also will help with the initial planning of a statewide essay contest to begin in a few months.
Proceeds from the sale of engraved bricks along the Memorial Walkway will benefit the Freedom Bridge enhancement project – including an upgraded bridge design, a Veterans park and other improvements. Engraved bricks are now on sale at www.havasufreedombridge.com.
EVENTS ADDED TO WOUNDED WARRIOR SOLDIER RIDE
09/10/08
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – Lake Havasu City has a number of patriotically themed events planned for the latter half of this month.
The Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride will be in Lake Havasu City September 24. The group is composed of men and women who have returned from the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq with serious, life altering injuries. “Many of these men and women have been physically active throughout their lives. Soldier Ride offers these brave individuals the chance to get on a bike and prove to themselves, ‘I can still do this.’ Soldier Ride is not about politics; it's not about the war. It's simply about the soldiers,” said Woody Groten with the Wounded Warrior Project who is organizing the ride, which takes place in Phoenix, Lake Havasu City and then Las Vegas.
A dedication ceremony is taking place the Wednesday morning the soldiers are in town. Part of that ceremony will include the dedication of a segment of the Freedom Memorial Walkway under construction as part of the Freedom Bridge Foundation. “Many donors in Lake Havasu City have chosen to honor these Wounded Warrior men and women for the incredible sacrifices they have made for our freedoms and our country. These soldiers are being immortalized in the Memorial Walkway.” said Gary Meyers, Chairman of the Freedom Bridge Committee. "These are the very people who motivated this entire (Freedom Memorial Walkway) project," he said. Generous donors from around the community and beyond purchased bricks for each of the soldiers taking part in the Soldier Ride.
The public is asked to attend the ceremony, which starts promptly at 8:30 the morning of September 24. “We all talk about supporting the troops. This is a great opportunity to really show that support,” said Jarrod Lyman, who is part of the organizing committee for the event. “I want everyone in the community to show their support and be at that event.”
The school district has offered their support as well. “The school district supports our wounded veterans and is very happy to support the Wounded Warrior Project. Any parent that takes their children to that event will not be counted as tardy that day,” said Lake Havasu Unified School District Superintendant Gail Malay. “Attending this ceremony will be part of our students’ education on citizenship.”
The Lake Havasu High School Band of Knights will be on hand performing patriotic music and the National Anthem. There will be a mayoral proclamation, Arizona Speaker of the House Jim Weiers will speak, and the riders will have a chance to place their bricks in the walkway.
Supporters can also gather along the ride route, which can be found at www.woundedwarriorproject.org then click on Soldier Ride. The ride will finish at the Hampton Inn, where crowds are also asked to gather to welcome the riders back in. “The Rotary Clubs have changed their meeting schedule to coincide with their return so we can welcome them back,” Meyers said. “We’d love to have even more people from the community there to show their support.”
A water stop at the Shops at Havasu mall will also be another place residents can cheer on the soldiers. Students from the Daytona Middle School band and choir will be on hand performing patriotic music as well. The stop will be located in the Center Court area located in front of the UltraStar Cinema building currently under construction.
A new addition to the schedule of events is the National Premiere screening of the independent film Who Will Stand, a movie documenting the Soldier Ride and the issues facing returning veterans. “This is a powerful film showing the continuing sacrifice the men and women of our armed forces have to make,” said Meyers. “It’s impossible to see this film and not be moved by it.”
There will be two special showings of the movie. One, Monday, September 22, will be a special, VIP, invitation only screening. There will be numerous invited guests, including those who have already donated a brick. The showing starts at 7 pm. Also in attendance will be the producer and director of the film, Phil Valentine.
Following the screening is a celebration at Barley Brother’s Brewery, featuring the new Freedom Brick ale brewed especially for the Freedom Bridge Foundation. “This is a great partnership between us and Barley Brother’s,” Meyers said. “It will raise both awareness and funds for the goals of the Foundation.” The specialty ale will be available at the Shugrue’s restaurants, with a portion of each purchase going to the Freedom Bridge Foundation.
A second screening on Tuesday will be open to the general public. Entrance will be the same price of a movie ticker, $6.50, with all proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project as the use of the theatre has been donated. Additional donations for the Wounded Warrior Project will be accepted.
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – Lake Havasu City has a number of patriotically themed events planned for the latter half of this month.
The Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride will be in Lake Havasu City September 24. The group is composed of men and women who have returned from the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq with serious, life altering injuries. “Many of these men and women have been physically active throughout their lives. Soldier Ride offers these brave individuals the chance to get on a bike and prove to themselves, ‘I can still do this.’ Soldier Ride is not about politics; it's not about the war. It's simply about the soldiers,” said Woody Groten with the Wounded Warrior Project who is organizing the ride, which takes place in Phoenix, Lake Havasu City and then Las Vegas.
A dedication ceremony is taking place the Wednesday morning the soldiers are in town. Part of that ceremony will include the dedication of a segment of the Freedom Memorial Walkway under construction as part of the Freedom Bridge Foundation. “Many donors in Lake Havasu City have chosen to honor these Wounded Warrior men and women for the incredible sacrifices they have made for our freedoms and our country. These soldiers are being immortalized in the Memorial Walkway.” said Gary Meyers, Chairman of the Freedom Bridge Committee. "These are the very people who motivated this entire (Freedom Memorial Walkway) project," he said. Generous donors from around the community and beyond purchased bricks for each of the soldiers taking part in the Soldier Ride.
The public is asked to attend the ceremony, which starts promptly at 8:30 the morning of September 24. “We all talk about supporting the troops. This is a great opportunity to really show that support,” said Jarrod Lyman, who is part of the organizing committee for the event. “I want everyone in the community to show their support and be at that event.”
The school district has offered their support as well. “The school district supports our wounded veterans and is very happy to support the Wounded Warrior Project. Any parent that takes their children to that event will not be counted as tardy that day,” said Lake Havasu Unified School District Superintendant Gail Malay. “Attending this ceremony will be part of our students’ education on citizenship.”
The Lake Havasu High School Band of Knights will be on hand performing patriotic music and the National Anthem. There will be a mayoral proclamation, Arizona Speaker of the House Jim Weiers will speak, and the riders will have a chance to place their bricks in the walkway.
Supporters can also gather along the ride route, which can be found at www.woundedwarriorproject.org then click on Soldier Ride. The ride will finish at the Hampton Inn, where crowds are also asked to gather to welcome the riders back in. “The Rotary Clubs have changed their meeting schedule to coincide with their return so we can welcome them back,” Meyers said. “We’d love to have even more people from the community there to show their support.”
A water stop at the Shops at Havasu mall will also be another place residents can cheer on the soldiers. Students from the Daytona Middle School band and choir will be on hand performing patriotic music as well. The stop will be located in the Center Court area located in front of the UltraStar Cinema building currently under construction.
A new addition to the schedule of events is the National Premiere screening of the independent film Who Will Stand, a movie documenting the Soldier Ride and the issues facing returning veterans. “This is a powerful film showing the continuing sacrifice the men and women of our armed forces have to make,” said Meyers. “It’s impossible to see this film and not be moved by it.”
There will be two special showings of the movie. One, Monday, September 22, will be a special, VIP, invitation only screening. There will be numerous invited guests, including those who have already donated a brick. The showing starts at 7 pm. Also in attendance will be the producer and director of the film, Phil Valentine.
Following the screening is a celebration at Barley Brother’s Brewery, featuring the new Freedom Brick ale brewed especially for the Freedom Bridge Foundation. “This is a great partnership between us and Barley Brother’s,” Meyers said. “It will raise both awareness and funds for the goals of the Foundation.” The specialty ale will be available at the Shugrue’s restaurants, with a portion of each purchase going to the Freedom Bridge Foundation.
A second screening on Tuesday will be open to the general public. Entrance will be the same price of a movie ticker, $6.50, with all proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project as the use of the theatre has been donated. Additional donations for the Wounded Warrior Project will be accepted.
Wounded Warriors to make a stop in Lake Havasu City
8/18/2008
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – The Wounded Warrior Project will be making a stop in Lake Havasu City next month.
The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization aimed at supporting veterans wounded in battle. According to the group’s website, the organization was founded after members saw the needs of soldiers who were wounded while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. “They realized that something needed to be done for these brave individuals beyond the brass bands and ticker tape parades. They wanted to provide tangible support for the severely wounded to help them on the road to heal both physically and mentally,” said Woody Groton, himself a veteran who is organizing the event.
One of the many programs is the Soldier Ride, where military personnel who are on the road to recovery participate in a regional bike ride that helps to raise awareness for the cause, and to get them back into the active lifestyle they once knew. “Many of these men and women have been physically active throughout their lives. Soldier Ride offers these brave individuals the chance to get on a bike and prove to themselves, ‘I can still do this.’ Soldier Ride is not about politics; it's not about the war. It's simply about the soldiers,” said Groton.
The ride starts in Phoenix Tuesday, September 23. They’ll then take part in a 25 mile ride throughout Lake Havasu City the following day, Wednesday, September 24. The next day they will travel up to Las Vegas, where they have another event and ride planned for the 25th.
Volunteers from throughout Lake Havasu City are organizing an event to ensure that the soldiers feel welcomed while they are in Lake Havasu City. “We are putting together a welcoming ceremony and dedication to see them off on their Lake Havasu City ride,” said Lake Havasu City CVB vice president Jarrod Lyman, who is chairing the committee organizing the event. “We want these heroes to know Lake Havasu City supports them and truly thanks them for their sacrifice.”
The Freedom Bridge Committee is another organization involved in the event. They have the goal of finding local residents and businesses to sponsor a rider with a brick in the memorial walkway. “What more of a lasting impression can we make on these men and women who gave so much of themselves for our country, than by immortalizing them in this memorial to those who serve in our armed forces,” said Gary Meyers, Chairman of the Freedom Bridge Committee. “"These are the very people who motivated this entire (Freedom Memorial Walkway) project," he said.
The group has to gather sponsors fast, as the brick order needs to be placed by August 25 if they are to be ready in time for the event. “We’d like to present the soldiers with their bricks, and have them lay them in the memorial walkway during the ceremony,” Meyers said.
Also planned for the ceremony will be a mayoral proclamation, patriotic music from the High School band and more. “We want everyone from the community to come out and show their support,” Lyman said. “Both at the ceremony and after, cheering them on as they ride along the route. What an amazing way to really show our support for these heroes.”
“There are a lot of people and organizations helping us out with this,” Lyman said. “The Freedom Bridge Committee is really stepping up; the School District has also pledged their support. The Lake Havasu Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association is taking part, and so are many of the veteran’s groups. The Hampton Inn is hosting the riders, and the London Bridge Resort is helping with the dedication ceremony on Wednesday morning. The Police Department is helping set up the course and plan the event as well. A lot of people are making this happen, and it would be great to have as many residents as possible out there Wednesday morning.”
The route will have the riders starting beneath the London Bridge, and heading out through the English Village toward State Route 95. They’ll travel south on the highway bike path to the access for the upper parking lot on the London Bridge Resort, through that lot and across the London Bridge and then clockwise around the Island. They’ll then travel down Beachcomber Blvd. through London Bridge Beach, backtrack through the upper lot to the bike path then down to London Bridge Road where they will travel north to the Shops at Havasu. They’ll cross the front of the mall to Centre Loop then head southbound on SR 95 to Smoketree where they will enter Rotary Park. They will stay on the sidewalk from Rotary north through the Bridgewater Channel, through the English Village and out where they will finish their ride at the Hampton Inn.
Residents who want to ride alongside the soldiers are encouraged to do so. Other cities have seen the group of 25 soldiers swell to over 100 as residents from those areas wanted to show their support. The local organizing committee is asking that a $20 donation be made by those wishing to ride. “One hundred percent of that will go to the Wounded Warrior Project to help with their mission,” Lyman said.
The local Rotary clubs will meet the riders at the Hampton Inn at the end of their ride. Residents who want to be on hand at the end of the ride are also welcome to this event.
For more information, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
-END-
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – The Wounded Warrior Project will be making a stop in Lake Havasu City next month.
The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization aimed at supporting veterans wounded in battle. According to the group’s website, the organization was founded after members saw the needs of soldiers who were wounded while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. “They realized that something needed to be done for these brave individuals beyond the brass bands and ticker tape parades. They wanted to provide tangible support for the severely wounded to help them on the road to heal both physically and mentally,” said Woody Groton, himself a veteran who is organizing the event.
One of the many programs is the Soldier Ride, where military personnel who are on the road to recovery participate in a regional bike ride that helps to raise awareness for the cause, and to get them back into the active lifestyle they once knew. “Many of these men and women have been physically active throughout their lives. Soldier Ride offers these brave individuals the chance to get on a bike and prove to themselves, ‘I can still do this.’ Soldier Ride is not about politics; it's not about the war. It's simply about the soldiers,” said Groton.
The ride starts in Phoenix Tuesday, September 23. They’ll then take part in a 25 mile ride throughout Lake Havasu City the following day, Wednesday, September 24. The next day they will travel up to Las Vegas, where they have another event and ride planned for the 25th.
Volunteers from throughout Lake Havasu City are organizing an event to ensure that the soldiers feel welcomed while they are in Lake Havasu City. “We are putting together a welcoming ceremony and dedication to see them off on their Lake Havasu City ride,” said Lake Havasu City CVB vice president Jarrod Lyman, who is chairing the committee organizing the event. “We want these heroes to know Lake Havasu City supports them and truly thanks them for their sacrifice.”
The Freedom Bridge Committee is another organization involved in the event. They have the goal of finding local residents and businesses to sponsor a rider with a brick in the memorial walkway. “What more of a lasting impression can we make on these men and women who gave so much of themselves for our country, than by immortalizing them in this memorial to those who serve in our armed forces,” said Gary Meyers, Chairman of the Freedom Bridge Committee. “"These are the very people who motivated this entire (Freedom Memorial Walkway) project," he said.
The group has to gather sponsors fast, as the brick order needs to be placed by August 25 if they are to be ready in time for the event. “We’d like to present the soldiers with their bricks, and have them lay them in the memorial walkway during the ceremony,” Meyers said.
Also planned for the ceremony will be a mayoral proclamation, patriotic music from the High School band and more. “We want everyone from the community to come out and show their support,” Lyman said. “Both at the ceremony and after, cheering them on as they ride along the route. What an amazing way to really show our support for these heroes.”
“There are a lot of people and organizations helping us out with this,” Lyman said. “The Freedom Bridge Committee is really stepping up; the School District has also pledged their support. The Lake Havasu Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association is taking part, and so are many of the veteran’s groups. The Hampton Inn is hosting the riders, and the London Bridge Resort is helping with the dedication ceremony on Wednesday morning. The Police Department is helping set up the course and plan the event as well. A lot of people are making this happen, and it would be great to have as many residents as possible out there Wednesday morning.”
The route will have the riders starting beneath the London Bridge, and heading out through the English Village toward State Route 95. They’ll travel south on the highway bike path to the access for the upper parking lot on the London Bridge Resort, through that lot and across the London Bridge and then clockwise around the Island. They’ll then travel down Beachcomber Blvd. through London Bridge Beach, backtrack through the upper lot to the bike path then down to London Bridge Road where they will travel north to the Shops at Havasu. They’ll cross the front of the mall to Centre Loop then head southbound on SR 95 to Smoketree where they will enter Rotary Park. They will stay on the sidewalk from Rotary north through the Bridgewater Channel, through the English Village and out where they will finish their ride at the Hampton Inn.
Residents who want to ride alongside the soldiers are encouraged to do so. Other cities have seen the group of 25 soldiers swell to over 100 as residents from those areas wanted to show their support. The local organizing committee is asking that a $20 donation be made by those wishing to ride. “One hundred percent of that will go to the Wounded Warrior Project to help with their mission,” Lyman said.
The local Rotary clubs will meet the riders at the Hampton Inn at the end of their ride. Residents who want to be on hand at the end of the ride are also welcome to this event.
For more information, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
-END-
WORK ON MEMORIAL WALKWAY BEGINS
7/30/2008
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – Lake Havasu City workers broke ground Monday on what will soon be the first section of the Memorial Walkway between the London Bridge and the planned Freedom Bridge.
“The volunteers have been working on this Freedom Bridge concept for a little over a year, and now we can really see progress being made,” said Brian Wedemeyer, Freedom Bridge Foundation President. “The cooperation from the city staff has been amazing.”
The Memorial Walkway will consist of engraved bricks as well as historical markers that will tell the story of America’s fight for freedom. High school and middle school students soon will be invited to write the essays for the historical markers.
City government already planned to make some maintenance improvements along that portion of the Bridgewater Channel easement. City crews will install temporary bricks until the first engraved bricks arrive in less than two months. “At that time, we plan to hold a very special celebration,” Wedemeyer said. “It’s going to be a beautiful addition to the Channel area.”
Meanwhile, the number of local non-profit groups that have signed up as beneficiaries of the brick fundraiser has reached 30. The most recent application was approved for organizers of the planned Tinnell Memorial Sports Park. Those who purchase a brick can donate $5 to any one of the organizations listed.
In addition, companies have the opportunity to purchase multi-brick packages to honor Veterans, employees, customers or other groups.
Proceeds from brick sales will be used for the Freedom Bridge improvement project, including an enhanced bridge design and a proposed Freedom Park. The City is expected to go out for bid on the basic bridge design and engineering during the current fiscal year.
While the city will pay for the second bridge with general fund money as well as dollars collected from island development impact fees, the improvements to the bridge and the surrounding park will not be paid for through tax dollars.
“Our goal is to create a lasting memorial to the men and women who made this country what it is, without adding additional burden to the taxpayer. The monies for the park and the bridge enhancements will come from memorial brick sales and other outside, non-tax dollar sources,” Wedemeyer said.
For more information, visit www.havasufreedombridge.com
Larry Robinson
Executive Director
(951) 217-8017
robinsonl@frontiernet.net
Jarrod Lyman
Vice-President
Lake Havasu City CVB
(928) 453-3444 x134
(928) 453-3344 fax
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – Lake Havasu City workers broke ground Monday on what will soon be the first section of the Memorial Walkway between the London Bridge and the planned Freedom Bridge.
“The volunteers have been working on this Freedom Bridge concept for a little over a year, and now we can really see progress being made,” said Brian Wedemeyer, Freedom Bridge Foundation President. “The cooperation from the city staff has been amazing.”
The Memorial Walkway will consist of engraved bricks as well as historical markers that will tell the story of America’s fight for freedom. High school and middle school students soon will be invited to write the essays for the historical markers.
City government already planned to make some maintenance improvements along that portion of the Bridgewater Channel easement. City crews will install temporary bricks until the first engraved bricks arrive in less than two months. “At that time, we plan to hold a very special celebration,” Wedemeyer said. “It’s going to be a beautiful addition to the Channel area.”
Meanwhile, the number of local non-profit groups that have signed up as beneficiaries of the brick fundraiser has reached 30. The most recent application was approved for organizers of the planned Tinnell Memorial Sports Park. Those who purchase a brick can donate $5 to any one of the organizations listed.
In addition, companies have the opportunity to purchase multi-brick packages to honor Veterans, employees, customers or other groups.
Proceeds from brick sales will be used for the Freedom Bridge improvement project, including an enhanced bridge design and a proposed Freedom Park. The City is expected to go out for bid on the basic bridge design and engineering during the current fiscal year.
While the city will pay for the second bridge with general fund money as well as dollars collected from island development impact fees, the improvements to the bridge and the surrounding park will not be paid for through tax dollars.
“Our goal is to create a lasting memorial to the men and women who made this country what it is, without adding additional burden to the taxpayer. The monies for the park and the bridge enhancements will come from memorial brick sales and other outside, non-tax dollar sources,” Wedemeyer said.
For more information, visit www.havasufreedombridge.com
Larry Robinson
Executive Director
(951) 217-8017
robinsonl@frontiernet.net
Jarrod Lyman
Vice-President
Lake Havasu City CVB
(928) 453-3444 x134
(928) 453-3344 fax
WAL-MART DONATES TO FREEDOM BRIDGE PROJECT
7/8/2008
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – The Freedom Bridge Foundation received a boost Monday from a local retailer.
Super Wal-Mart, which just recently opened its doors at the new Shops at Havasu mall, presented the group with a check for $850. “It’s a great project for Havasu,” said Super Wal-Mart general manager Mark Dutton. “It is definitely needed, and it’s a great idea how the bridge will be funded without using tax dollars. I definitely think this is something Wal-Mart should be a part of,” he said.
Super-Wal-Mart purchased ten bricks as part of that donation. Ten names were then drawn out of a list of people who purchased bricks over the weekend, and they will now receive their brick for free.
Freedom Bridge Foundation Chair Gary Meyers, along with Executive Director Larry Robinson, accepted the check on behalf of the group. “Wal-Mart is one of the many great examples of corporate leadership in Lake Havasu City,” Meyers said. “They understand the importance and the long term value of the Freedom Bridge project.”
The donation came on the heels of a major effort to sell memorial bricks, the main fundraising method of the foundation, at the Super Wal-Mart over the Independence Day weekend. “Brick sales are accelerating as awareness increases,” Meyers said. “We are approaching the 500 brick level, which will be of special importance because it will allow us to begin laying bricks at the foot of the famous London Bridge,” he said.
The plan is to pave the walkway from the London Bridge to the future site of the Freedom Bridge with the memorial bricks. Purchasers can choose a message to be engraved to honor friends, family members or anyone else.
Sale of the bricks will not only go to the Freedom Bridge effort, but buyers can choose a local charity that a portion of the sale goes to as well. Bricks can be purchased on the group’s website at www.havasufreedombridge.com
The group’s goal is to create a lasting memorial to freedom and those who currently serve and have served to protect it, promote public safety and access to the island and enhance the economic vitality of the area all without creating an additional burden on the tax payer.
Super Wal-Mart general manager Mark Dutton (center) presents Freedom Bridge Foundation chairman Gary Meyers (left) and executive director Larry Robinson (right) with a check for $850.
-END-
Foundation raises awareness while raising flags.
6/20/2008
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – Boaters at the north end of the Bridgewater Channel may have noticed a new addition to the area: a flag pole sporting the American Flag as well as the banner of the Freedom Bridge Foundation.
The pole is actually one of two dedicated for the area. The second will go on the other side of the channel. “That is the footprint of where the bridge will go, that designates the location of the second bridge,” said Larry Robinson, executive director of the Freedom Bridge Foundation.
The pole and Freedom Bridge Foundation banner was donated by Tim Dam, owner of Orseeni House. The American flag was donated by the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The second pole was donated by Big O Tires, but Foundation members are still waiting on approval from the State Parks Board before that one is erected.
Robinson said so far, the reception to the flag as been warm. “As people go by, they wave while we’re raising the flags. We had one gentleman in a pontoon boat that went by as we were raising it on Flag Day. He pulled out an American Flag of his own and waved it as he went past,” Robinson said.
Additionally, the new flag has given the foundation the opportunity to spread the message of what they are trying to accomplish. “A lot of people ask about what is going on and it gives us a chance to talk about the project. It also shows progress, that something is happening down there,” he said.
The foundation was formed to create a lasting memorial to veterans out of the second bridge. The additions to the span, the memorial park and the Memorial Walkway, will be paid for by sales of memorial bricks instead of tax funding. The group says they have never seen such a monumental undertaking in which private dollars are used to improve infrastructure.
The flags will be raised Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
-END-
Photo Cutline:
From left: Freedom Bridge Foundation executive director Larry Robinson, his son James Robinson, retired Petty Officer First Class with the US Navy, Judy Lacey, Veterans Affairs Coordinator with the foundation, Lake Havasu City Council member and Foundation Chair Brian Wedemeyer and Orseeni House owner Tim Dam pose infront of the flag pole installed by the foundation. The pole, which bears the American Flag as well as a banner with the Freedom Bridge Foundation logo, marks where one side of the Freedom Bridge will be.
Jarrod Lyman
Vice-President
Lake Havasu City CVB
(928) 453-3444 x134
(928) 453-3344 fax
TOM HORNE, AZ SUPERINTENTENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION, ENDORSES "76 MOMENTS" ESSAY CONTEST.
Apr. 13, 2009
Tom Horne
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Dear Arizona educators,
Volunteers from throughout Arizona and beyond are involved in an effort to build a oneof- a-kind memorial in honor of our nation’s Veterans – past and present. Now, the Freedom Bridge Foundation is asking all Arizona students to lend their insight and creativity in an essay contest like no other.
As many of you know, Lake Havasu City is already home to one of the state’s biggest tourist attractions – the world famous London Bridge. In a few years, thanks to these dedicated volunteers, Lake Havasu City will have a second signature bridge – the Freedom Bridge.
These two bridges will be connected by the Memorial Walkway and the “76 Moments of Freedom,” which will tell the story of America’s ongoing pursuit of freedom. Arizona State University’s nationally-recognized public history department has assisted with the selection of these 76 moments -- ranging from the Jamestown Settlement to Operation Enduring Freedom.
Now, the Freedom Bridge Foundation wants input from students from throughout the state. Every large historical tablet, which will forever be displayed along the Memorial Walkway, will include a short student essay on how each moment advanced the cause of America’s freedom. The essay contest, now underway at www.havasufreedombridge.com, challenges students to provide meaningful insight in a limited amount of text.
The contest winners and their schools will be forever famously displayed along this beautiful walkway between two remarkable bridges. The winning students also could be eligible for future scholarship awards.
The Freedom Bridge project has been endorsed by Gov. Jan Brewer, former Gov. Janet Napolitano, myself, Arizona Veterans Services Director Joey Strickland, the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society and many others. Please encourage your students to visit www.havasufreedombridge.com today so they, as well as your school, can truly become a part of history.
Sincerely,
Tom Horne
Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting American Veteran's Traveling Tribute
4/15/09
The Lake Havasu Chamber Ambassadors were honored to conduct a ribbon cutting to open the public ceremonies for the American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute at Windsor Beach State Park. The Tribute features an 80 percent replica of the Viet Nam Memorial and other veteran’s exhibits. The AVTT was hosted in Lake Havasu City by the Freedom Bridge Foundation. Approximately 25,000 visited the Tribute during its 4-day visit to Lake Havasu City.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
