twelve never returned


The Oak Park High School community gathered for the dedication of a new Vietnam Memorial Healing Wall within the school.    This new memorial will stand as tribute to the hundreds of Oak Park alumni from the classes of 1966 through 1975 who served during the conflict.  It also includes special recognition to a select twelve former students that offered the ultimate sacrifice.  


While this memorial will never make up for the loss families suffered, or the negativity showered on recruits lucky enough to return, perhaps it will help remind everyone that were just kids doing what they had to do to succeed in life.  As one of the speakers pointed out, most had little choice.  Many that left were only looking forward to returning home to friends, family, and enablement of new opportunities offered by the military.  


video by cwarnes
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View Photos from the Dedications
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The Healing Wall was made possible through a fund established by Oak Park alumni Barbara Moyer and Cary Marshall at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. Their efforts now continue with plans to establish a scholarship for graduating Oak Park seniors.  To contribute, visit: www.growyourgiving.org, choose to “Contribute to a Fund,” and enter fund ID oakp01

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To submit a name or correction reach out to the Oak Park High School Class of ’67 Facebook group. Be sure to include the following details about the veteran: Full name, Branch of service, Rank and honors, Years of service, Whether they were KIA (Killed in Action).



Location: Oak Park High School, 825 NE 79th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64118, USA

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