‘I’m just proud to be a veteran’: Dozens gather at Bend’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial for new flagpole’s rededication

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --  The Bend Vietnam Veterans Memorial, recently vandalized for the second time this year, received a powerful show of support Monday as groups and businesses came together on Veterans Day to dedicate a new flagpole, the culmination of a true community effort.

Vandals damaged Bend's Vietnam Veterans Memorial last month, tearing down the flagpole and tearing off the flags.

"When they tore the flag down, it was disgusting," Vietnam veteran and project organizer Bill Gabriel said Monday.

The rebuilt memorial now features a taller, stronger flagpole, which was rededicated during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Memorial at Deschutes Memorial Gardens. Dozens of people came to celebrate the restoration and all it symbolizes. 

 In response to the crime and disrespect, numerous Central Oregon businesses stepped up to help, donating labor, materials or both.

 Band of Brothers Member Robert Smith said, "I'm just proud to be a veteran. I'm proud to have contributed to making this monument for all veterans - Vietnam veterans and others."

Swift Steel owner Bob Swift, whose company donated steel to the cause, said they were honored to give back to veterans - past, present and future.

"I jumped on board and told them I'd do what I could to help them out," Swift said. "And right or wrong, we're proud to be Americans. Everybody should be proud. We need to honor - honor them people for what they've given us, and what they sacrificed."

Other businesses who assisted included Hatfield's RV Repair, Advanced Northwest Welding, Commercial Powder Coat, and Tewalt and Sons, which donated their services and materials to have the new flagpole standing taller than ever.

The memorial holds a special place for many veterans. 

Gabriel said, "The reason we put the flag up in 17 days it's been done is because that flag means something to everybody who's been out here, everybody whose name is up there."