Public dedication of Operation Freedom Memorial planned for May 17

The public is invited to help dedicate the new Operation Freedom Memorial in Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park on May 17.

The ceremony starts at 1 p.m. at the park, 339 W. Central, located on the east bank of the Arkansas River off Second Street. Speakers scheduled for the event include U.S. Air Force Capt. Nick Williams, Wichita vice mayor Jeff Blubaugh and U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo, as well as officials from the Operation Freedom Memorial Foundation, which spearheaded the project.

Handicap parking is available at the park; other parking is available across the street. Organizers are encouraging those planning to attend to bring lawn chairs.

The Operation Freedom monument memorializes Kansans who have died in the fight against terrorism. It is the brainchild of foundation president Anita Dixon, whose son was killed while deployed in Iraq in 2005.

“It’s very honorable to know that this generation of (soldiers killed in) conflicts is alongside all of their other military family that has served and sacrificed in the past,” Dixon told the Eagle when

the monument was installed in March

. It is inscribed with 94 names.

Seeing it “eases a heavy burden,” she said.

This story was originally published May 9, 2014 at 7:54 PM with the headline "Public dedication of Operation Freedom Memorial planned for May 17."