Video above shows the unveiling and some touching clips after the ceremony.
PADUCAH, KY – Torian says, “Two Paducah natives, Sgt. Christopher Heflin and MSGT. Aaron Torian, gave the ultimate sacrifice in these wars. No words can describe how much Paducah needs to memorialize those who served along with those who gave everything.” (source paducahky.com)
McCracken County Judge Leeper, during the unveiling ceremony on May 28, said to the crowed, “It takes one person to have a vision.” He then looks over to Nathan Torian and said, “Nathan, that was you.”
He continues looking over at Nathan and said, “I have a little phrase I like to use….refuse to do nothing, and I think you epitomized that today.”
Nathan Torian, brother of Aaron Torian who was killed while on duty in Afghanistan in 2014, was at the helm of this project and his unwavering commitment was legendary.
Nathan said to the crowed, “If it wasn’t for you all, it wouldn’t have gotten done. Now I hear everyone thanking me, but all I did was put everyone’s money and efforts into one place.”
Engraved on the monument is MSGT. Aaron Carl Torian and Marine Sgt. Christopher Todd Heflin. They both lived in Paducah and were high school friends as well.
Members of the Operation Enduring Freedom Fund organized the unveiling ceremony.
MSGT. Aaron Carl Torian KIA: 15/FEB/2014, Helmand Province, Afghanistan
Marine Sgt. Christopher Todd Heflin 16/NOV/2004 Al Anbar Province, Iraq
Global War on Terrorism Memorial Monument Dolly McNutt Memorial Plaza Park At Clark Street & 5th Paducah, KY 42003 Unveiled: Monday, May 28, 2018 at 10:00 AM
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.