MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. — On Monday, several events across the state honored those who had served our country. In Maple Valley, dozens of people braved the rain to get the first look at a new memorial recognizing veterans outside of the Maple Valley Community Center.
"Today is so special for so many reasons,” said Brett Habenicht. “And seeing those walls, I don't care if it's raining or snowing, it doesn't matter. Today is a beautiful day."
This day has been 10 years in the making.
"To be on one of those walls, they had to walk through it, and to me, that deserved to be honored," said Habenicht.
Habenicht served in the Navy for 4. 5 years in the 80s. He's now the president of the Greater Maple Valley Veterans Memorial Foundation. It's the nonprofit that spearheaded this new memorial that features five walls, each one representing a branch of the U.S. Armed Services.
“We wanted a place that created some common ground for all of us to come together from all those different shared perspectives and just honor one another. And have something for the community, where they can also honor," said Habenicht.
"It's just great to have a monument of something to focus on, to bring your kids here to have that conversation and to say thanks to all the veterans," said Erik Throndsen, who attended the unveiling ceremony with his family.
Soon, the five walls will have thousands of local veterans’ names engraved on them. "My father-in-law was in the military,” said Sandra Nickells. “I had a brother in Vietnam."
Monday’s memorial unveiling brought out the masses and some emotions from visitors they weren't expecting. "I don't know,” said Nickells, fighting back tears. “It's a good thing."
That will stand tall in this community for years. It is seen as another reminder to recognize veterans.
“Just say 'thank you.' Thank you for your service, thanks for answering that call,” said Habenicht. “It's a celebration and it's a great time to honor those that made that sacrifice."
As for when the veterans' names will be engraved, that's expected to be complete by next year’s Veterans Day.