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MCALESTER, Oklahoma (KOKI) – A McAlester veteran has created a memorial in his front yard to honor the 13 U.S. service members killed in evacuations in Afghanistan.
He did so after recognizing the name of a man he worked with, on the list of 13 dead.
Jon Veath jumped out of bed when he saw the names. He said, “I kissed my wife on the cheek and said I had to go. I got in my truck and went to Lowes and Walmart.
Veath recognized a name – Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover. He worked with Hoover while in the Marine Corps from 2016-2020.
He said, “To me, being his Junior Marine, he had the attributes of a person you would want to idolize if you got to where he was.” He was a good person, a great person to his friends and family.
Veath dug up rocks in his garden and gathered supplies and paint to create “Memorial Heroes 13”. It bears the names of the 13 men and women killed, as well as flags and flowers.
He wants this to show people around the world and everywhere that Oklahoma cares.
Veath says, “They are heroes; that’s what makes a hero. We love you and we are here.
People stopped to add to the memorial. A veteran named Leon Flowers was moved to tears upon seeing this.
Flowers says, “Tears, just to see that someone still cares.” That is what matters. People still care.
Veath wants all veterans, military personnel and their families to know there is support, and he asks anyone who might be struggling to seek help. “When you need help, get help; it’s good, we are here and we are here to listen.
Veath says anyone can stop by the McAlester Memorial and drop flowers or something to honor and remember.
© 2021 Cox Media Group
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