Kearns to dedicate new veterans memorial

Cannon • The longtime landmark has moved a few blocks west.

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The Kearns veterans memorial that was moved to make room for a road widening project now has a new home.

TheWorld War I-era cannon and a flagpole from the old Camp Kearns military base have been installed at the township's recreation center, 5670 S. Cougar Lane (4800 West). They are part of the new Kearns Veterans Memorial Plaza, which will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10.

The cannon and flagpole, along with a Vietnam veterans memorial, were part of the Arlo D. James Kearns Veterans Memorial Park that stood for several decades at 5400 South and 4000 West, the spot known as the gateway to a former Army Air Force base. Camp Kearns was dedicated in the summer of 1942 and closed in November 1946.

The cannon, flagpole and plaques that were attached to the cement Vietnam veterans memorial were taken down in the spring and put into storage to make way for the Utah Department of Transportation project, which also included the demolition of 38 homes.

UDOT allocated $20,000 toward the new memorial site, and the Kearns Community Council is selling engraved memorial bricks to raise more money. Council Chairwoman Paula Larsen said the funds will be used for additions such as benches, an elevated stand for the plaques and a flagpole representing each branch of the military.

Click here for more information and to order a brick.

pmanson@sltrib.com

Twitter: @PamelaMansonSLC