‘We’ve lost a lot of friends’: Bend Vietnam Veterans Memorial receives special plaque, honors fallen soldiers

(Update: Adding video, comments from Veterans)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Vandalized twice this year, the Bend Vietnam Veterans Memorial is now getting a special new addition to its flagpole.

Weeks after a vandalized and toppled flagpole at Bend's Vietnam Veterans Memorial was replaced and rededicated at the Deschutes Memorial Chapel and Gardens, a new plaque will be installed. 

"We've lost a lot of friends," Robert Landers, Commander of the Disabled American Veterans said. "Many of their names are right here on this plaque."

Now, the flagpole - with the new changes and plaque - is a special, safe place for veterans to pay their respects. 

Vietnam veteran and project organizer Bill Gabriel said, "This flag belongs to all of us now. Not just the Vietnam veterans. Everybody in the community."

Navy radioman Eric Russell said, "Memorials like this signify the love of the community and the respect for the soldiers that served during the Vietnam era."

 The plaque will be put in place next week, and will also have a special message for veterans that visit the site - "Welcome home and thank you for our freedom. You are not alone," with specific info on how to seek needed help in the Community

Adjutant Local VFW Post 1643 Chris Thomson said, "Awareness that they need to know that we're here for them. The community welcomes them as well. It's good recognition. it's necessary for sure."

On the back of the plaque, it will list everyone who contributed and worked on the project. 

Back in November, the Bend Vietnam Veterans Memorial was rededicated after being vandalized for the second time this year, toppled and the flags torn down.

The community came together last month to rededicate it during a Veterans Day Ceremony. Dozens of people came to celebrate the restoration and all it symbolizes. 

U.S. Air Force senior airman Michael Henton said, "This plaque means a lot to all of us, and especially to the young veterans, because, we're going to have to start stepping up and take the place of these Vietnam veterans that are going out now, and we need to be here to help them out. "

Army National Guard and Marine Corps. Robert Cusick said, "Ive got about approximately 800 funerals under my belt that I've done. We cannot let these guys be forgotten."

 The plaque also offers a path for help, if needed. You can reach out to Deschutes County Veterans' Services for assistance.