Tonalea Veterans Memorial Dedicated

Over 200 people attended the ceremonial dedication of the Tonalea Veteran's Memorial Park Saturday, September 16.

The park was built piece-by-piece by Floyd Dawson, his family and friends to honor Native American servicemen missing or killed in the Vietnam War. The grass, grown from seed to a lush green carpet in less than three week's time, is a gift to the Memorial from Grown Technologies, a company based in Ireland.

Tribal Council Delegates and Chapterhouse Officials joined Coconino County Supervisor Louise Yellowman and veterans from both the Vietnam and Second World Wars to honor the Navajo, Hopi and other Native American Servicemen who fell in the line of duty. Navajo Codetalkers, widows and Gold Star Mothers-those who lost their sons in the War-stood together with Floyd and Mabel Dawson as they cut the ribbon for the ceremonial opening of the Memorial Park.

Afterwards, they each cut pieces to take home with them. Later, stew, hamburgers and frybread were the staples of a barbeque shared by all who attended.

Nine executives and associates of the company came to help host the event, most from overseas. Some of them have been staying in the area to water the germinating grass in temperatures that sometimes exceeded 100.

Grow Technologies is seeking contracts in areas throughout the southwest, with a particular focus on joint ventures with Tribes in the Four Corners region. The greening of the Memorial Park is must a small example of the skills and beneficial technology they hope to make available to address the problems faced by agricultural and environmental interests in the region.

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