LAKE HAVASU CITY — In celebration of American freedom, the many members of the Lake Havasu community will be gathering together for memoriam walkway dedication ceremony. It was in 2007 that Mayor Cal Sheehy approached longtime rotary club volunteer Greg Meyers to create the walkway. Right along the Bridgewater Channel, the first brick laying took place in 2008.
Almost two decades later, the walkway now has over forty sections of bricks honoring individuals and groups who have dedicated their time and efforts towards obtaining freedom in the United States. Many of the inductions include healthcare heroes, Navajo code talkers, educators, blue star families, and plenty more.
The organization has also invited local high school students to participate in their Every Student Loves Freedom essay contest. Choosing from the list of seventy-six historic events, teens can submit stories about their opinions on freedom and the significance behind the word. The winner will have their compositions captivated in stone, giving them a legacy for future visitors to view.
Competitors also will be eligible for academic scholarships. Guidelines to enter the contest can be found by visiting Havasu Memorial Walkway – Be a Part of History.
Last year is when volunteers of the homage pathway began working on the freedom section of the memoriam. The weekend event will be adding political activist Charlie Kirk who was assassinated last September while giving a speech at a Utah Valley University debate. Kirk organized the student team called Turning Point USA, and was just 31 years of age. Mayor Sheehy will be there giving a proclamation at the tribute meeting along with prominent guest speakers like host of Havasu Pioneers Radio Show, Dan Delesantos.
Many community pioneers who have diligently provided many bricks over time, will be in attendance as well. Local first responder professionals will also be sharing a speech, and the Marine Corp Color Guard will participate in the dedications and perform a flag ceremony. Three students from Lake Havasu High School will also take to the stage to read their freedom essays out loud to the crowd.
Afterwards, attendees are welcome to participate in the memorial pathway walk. This event is free and open to the public and will be taking place on Saturday March 14 starting at 10am at the London Bridge Stage that is located at 1340 McCulloch Blvd. The remembrance site may have been founded by Meyers however, he feels that putting it all together would not have been possible without the assistance of driven volunteerism.
“The amount of volunteers that contributed over the years is truly amazing. They are really what is behind making the pathway so remarkable,” Meyers said. If you are someone who wishes to have a brick to be included in next year’s dedication ceremony, you can order online. Bricks can be donated to honor organizations, family members, or veterans. They can also be used to memorialize anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings.
