A ceremony was held on Flag Day to rededicate the Whiting-Robertsdale Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In particular, the memorial honors the lives of eight young men from our community who gave their lives to serve their country during the War in Vietnam.
Marine Cpl. David Grant
December 27, 1944 – October 1965
Whiting High School
Marine Pfc. Richard Francis Bubala
December 2, 1945 – April 11, 1966
Whiting High School
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Ronald P. Soucy
January 18, 1937 – January 11, 1968
Whiting High School
Marine Pfc. Gerald Francis Lenze
April 13, 1949 – January 20, 1968
Clark High School
Army Cpl. Michael J. Kurella
August 30, 1946 – February 14, 1968
Whiting High School
Allied Institute of Technology
Marine 2nd Lt. Dennis R. Muvich
October 12, 1945 – May 19, 1968
Bishop Noll Institute
Marquette University
Army Specialist John Robert Klapak Jr.
November 18, 1948 – May 4, 1969
Bishop Noll Institute
Southeastern City College, Chicago
Army Pfc. Teddy Leon Hamel
August 26, 1948 – November 1969
Whiting High School
The memorial is at the southwest corner of Schrage Avenue and 119th Street, the site of the former Standard Hotel. The original memorial was dedicated on October 24, 1998, but needed to be replaced after years of wear.
The Times has more details on the rededication ceremony. Read more here.