Members of the Snoqualmie Valley’s two largest veterans’ organizations have joined forces to build a monument to all those from the Valley who died to serve their country — a local monument they call long overdue.

Their efforts got a jump start Tuesday, May 27, with the Snoqualmie City Council lending its approval in an agreement with the American Legion Renton-Pickering Post No. 79 for construction of a veteran’s memorial on property next to the Legion hall.

“On behalf of all the veterans, we thank you,” Fenton told the council.

The planned monument would set up 10 flags, including the U.S. and Washington flags, all service branches, and a POW/MIA flag, in a semi-circle on the grassy, tree-lined space near the entrance to the Snoqualmie Post Office. The centerpiece would be a large carved stone, engraved with the names of veterans from conflicts, ranging from World War I through the current Middle Eastern struggle.

Memorial bricks, which can be purchased for a donation, will ring the ground around the stone.

The monument would face the planned new Snoqualmie City Hall across River Street.

The building next door, a former Methodist church and one of the oldest buildings in the Valley, has been home to the Legion for 80 years. It is currently the meeting place for both the Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Names of veterans are currently being collected for the list to go on the memorial, and the list touches families in all Valley communities.

“This is Valley geography,” said Post 79 Auxiliary President Kathy Kerr.

Volunteers have spent several years in preparation for the project.

“We’ve gone through almost every single record we could find,” Kerr said.

If residents know of anyone who died in the service of their country, “We need those names now,” she said.

To find out more about the project or to submit a name, contact Kerr at (425) 831-5133

Donations for the memorial can be sent to: SVHM-Veteran’s Memorial, P.O. Box 179, North Bend, WA 98045.

Donations to the project are tax deductible.