One Soldier's Promise

One Soldier’s Promise Becomes a Unified Gift
for Generations to Come ~ Lynnda MK Manville

(Photo 2003- service plaques & cemetery lots added after 2006) 

Donald R Sands of Big River, California via Los Angeles served in the Korean War as a 1^st Sgt., Company B, 160^th Infantry, 40^th division.  Barely surviving death himself, he witnessed way too much, buried too many friends, and made a promise he would never forget, and he didn’t.

Some 40 years later, woken from a deep sleep, Don found himself with the answer to this promise. 

Upon wakening his wife, he announced, “I know how I am going to do this.”

"I want to build a monument honoring all those who lost their lives in any war.” Judy (McMenamon) Sands was at first hesitant as Don was very ill.  He is a polio survivor, with severe diabetes, PTS and Congestive Heart disease. His challenges have been fierce but his attitude and tenacious behavior allow him to rebound each time with yet a stronger will. Don couldn’t let this go; he was determined to complete this project before he died.

The Sands’ had been very involved with the Veterans Benefits Council in Lake Havasu, Arizona and had developed a strong friendship with Lee Borgan, a decorated soldier herself, and prominent figure to many Veterans, nationally. After a successful meeting of mind, heart, soul & honor, the project was officially underway. Soldier Sands had received the thumbs up for his vision.

What was feared to be the largest obstacle by many became the very cornerstone of this endeavor.  Parker, Arizona, is unusual, in the fact that it is Indian Country.  Indian Country is defined as a city or town that is completely surrounded by a reservation. In this case it is The Colorado Indian Tribes (CRIT) Reservation in LaPaz County, (Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi and Navajo).  The Town did not own the land but rather leased from the tribes.  If you are to build a permanent structure you need both cooperation from the town and the CRIT Tribal Council. Historically these two forms of government did not agree on much, but Don had found a way to bridge the differences when it came to the honor of the American Soldier.  Waters began to flow and the two had a project to be forever joined, respected and understood. There were unsettling times when promises were broken or schedules not honored but somehow, someone picked up the slack and no party complained. It was a respected honor shared.

Engineering became a feat in and of itself.  To build a 14’ structure, 40’ wide on the edge of a desert community, to withstand monsoon conditions and straight winds required a solid foundation with anchor bolts reaching depths of 24 inches. Digging twenty four inches of dry sand, in the desert terrain, is a huge task in itself. This was put to test during a monsoon storm in 2008.  Winds reached speeds able to knock over the flagpole at the monument but the “Wall of Remembrance” stood proud and solid, much like the soldiers who now call it home.

Trustees were used from the local Federal Prison as labor of honor.  The pride they felt was second to none. It was actually jaw dropping to watch. Stories developed, many shared and some of the inmates later brought their families back to see their contribution.

So many obstacles, but financing never became one.  Many organizations were immediately on board, donating money, time and materials, but the largest funding came right from the pocketbook of Don and Judy Sands. Donation hours are always priceless.

There were doubters, but the support far outweighed these doubters.  Most said …”When you work with Man and Indian, you can never agree.” I say…”When you respect each other’s beliefs, and have common honor…we learn from each other and agree to respect.”

It took 3 years and thousands of desert sun hours of man and woman power. I was not there for the start, but I was certainly there for the part…when one of my friends came in and said…..”I Have a Dream, but I am just a bit tired.  Can you help?”

The Dedication occurred on November 10, 2003. Members of Tribal Council stood right next to State, County & Town Officials. From every race and religious belief, soldiers, children, mothers, fathers, family, friends... joined hands to honor and dedicate this accomplishment.

What makes this monument unique is layers deep. Not only is it the first cemetery where a soldier can be buried with his spouse with military recognition, but it is the only cemetery recognized between Native and Non-Native Soldiers of American War. It was attempted to be recognized as a Historical Monument but response was told…”Cannot be Military if spouses are allowed to be buried there.”

Thomas Claw, Navajo, Code Talker, World War II, was buried at the wall in May 2009. He honored his country, his tribe, his wife, and earthly relationships. He could have chosen his earthly resting spot anywhere but he chose the “Wall of Remembrance.”  He did not have to choose which honor was most prevalent; he chose to honor the “Thomas Claw package.” Tribe, Family, Friend, American Soldier.

I always told Don, he had a thousand and one stories. Well that means he still has a thousand more worth telling & listening too. What an honor to be selected to tell this one. Every person that has had the opportunity to work on the “Wall of Remembrance” holds their head just a little higher.  It takes your breath away, They are proud, to have contributed to a tangible place; which memorializes, a spirit, a love, an honor and show support and appreciation for the sacrifice. A place where we can remember and honor every Soldier and the sacrifices they made, in our continued joined quest, for the freedom we enjoy and defend   “World PEACE."

About myself:

Born Detroit, Michigan. Worked as Director of Senior Services/County Volunteer Programs for the Town of Parker, Arizona from 2002- 2006. Now living in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee.