They wore uniforms, Vietnam veteran ball caps, flannel shirts and Combat Veterans jackets as they snapped a salute as the American flag rose up the new flagpole at the Vietnam War Memorial in Kennewick.

They were there to honor 62 men from the Tri-Cities who died in Vietnam between 1965-71. Their names are etched into the black granite marker at the base of the flagpole. They served in the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force.

The memorial near the cable bridge was originally installed in 1985, thanks to a group of local Vietnam veterans who rallied the community to ensure that those who died during the war would not be forgotten. 

After the monument was damaged in 2004 by a vehicle accident, more than $10,000 was raised by veterans and community members to repair and restore it. 

In more recent years, the memorial and flagpole have undergone several transitions. Most notably, local veteran Kevin Veleke, along with the Port of Kennewick, Combat Veterans International Pasco Chapter, Greg Ford and the city of Kennewick, have worked to refurbish and replace the flagpole.

The dedication ceremony for the new flagpole was held Oct. 29.