By DEBRA VAUGHN

The idea came to Myron Brundage three years ago at a flag retirement ceremony at the VFW.

The ceremony was held next to the Veteran’s Memorial — a 4-by-4 foot white sign.

“It was sad,” said Brundage, who now serves as post commander at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7392. “I thought at the time, ‘We can do better.’”

And after more than a year of hard work and help from the community, they have.

In late June, members of the VFW dedicated a new memorial, located in front of the building on Goldie Road in Oak Harbor. The event drew a crowd.

The memorial features a curving red concrete walkway that leads to a black, metal silhouette of kneeling soldiers, flag poles and a landscaped courtyard lined with bricks bearing the names of veterans — both living and those who have passed.

“When somebody gives everything, you need more than a four-by-four sign to say, ‘Thank You,’” Brundage said.

Materials were donated by VFW members and local businesses, including Tara Property, Koetje Real Estate, Concrete Northwest and Home Depot.

“Everything was donated,” he said. “I just kept asking people if they would be a part of it.”

The VFW Riders performed most of the labor, including clearing stumps, rocks and rogue rose bushes.

Anyone who wants to honor a veteran or active-duty service member can purchase a brick and have it inscribed for $35 to $45.

Forms are available at the VFW or online at www.vfwpost7392.org