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Two events celebrate veterans Nov. 11
October 30, 2009
Contact: Pat Dodds, public affairs officer, (480) 312-2336
CELEBRATIONS OF NEW SCULPTURE, HISTORIC BOXCAR
MARK VETERANS DAY IN SCOTTSDALE
Citizens are invited to participate in two memorable events on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, in Scottsdale.
- At 11 a.m., the city will join with local veterans groups and the Scottsdale Public Art Program to dedicate a heroic-scale statue honoring Scottsdale veterans. The Chaplain, by Scottsdale artist Austin Deuel, is being installed on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall northeast of Scottsdale City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard. The sculpture depicts a World War I chaplain. Many of the 4,000 veterans who reside in Scottsdale and who are members of the local Disabled American Veterans chapter and Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts will be in attendance, along with family and friends.
- At 3 p.m., the city will conduct its 20th Annual Veterans Day Commemoration at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road. The 108th Army Band will play until 3:30, when the formal program begins. Speakers will include Mayor W. J. "Jim" Lane, U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell, former City Councilman and Maricopa County Supervisor Jim Bruner, former Honorary French Consul Claude Prosnier and Arizona Assistant Adjutant General, Col. Matthew Brown.
Scottsdale will be commemorating 20 years since the Arizona Army National Guard helped the city bring the French Merci Boxcar to the park under the volunteer leadership of the late Zina Kuhn, who also began the annual tribute to veterans. The boxcar is a symbol of Europe’s gratitude to the U.S. in the aftermath of World War II. During the ceremony, participants will introduce a biography of Kuhn, outlining her life as a refugee from war-torn Poland, a tireless volunteer and an unabashed supporter of men and women in uniform.
Below: "The Chaplain," by Austin Deuel, being readied for installation.
