“...I know the construction of a second bridge to the Island is a project the City has been working to fulfill for sometime. I applaud you and your fellow Foundation members for the work that is being undertaken to enhance the property adjacent to the proposed bridge, while recognizing the men and women that have served in our military. This is a very admirable and worthwhile endeavor...”
Letter from Gov. Janet Napolitano
to Brian Wedemeyer, FBF President
June 10, 2008
Freedom Bridge, Freedom Park,
and the Memorial Riverwalk. Lake Havasu City, Arizona
The Freedom Bridge Foundation believes the public could work together with the government and take action to accomplish lofty goals. Most important is to accomplish these goals without any additional burden to the taxpayers. As John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you –
ask what you can do for your country.”
Lake Havasu City is committed to the costs of a basic second bridge for traffic and safety reasons. Those monies are already funded, or are being identified now. The Freedom Bridge Foundation’s goal is to create and pay for all the enhancements to the entire Freedom Bridge project, without any additional costs to citizens. These enhancements include a Memorial Walk along the channel, a Freedom Park to honor and memorialize our Veterans and troops, and an enhanced version of the bridge which would be a compliment to the grand London Bridge while being an additional visitor attraction itself. These goals have been unanimously endorsed by the Lake Havasu City Council, The Arizona State Parks Department, The Arizona State Lands Department, The Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Partnership for Economic Development, and nearly every person in every Veterans, civic group, and public audience to whom the Freedom Bridge Project has presented.
The Freedom Bridge Foundation has also secured the arrival of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (http://www.avtt.org) to coincide with the recently approved Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Day in Lake Havasu City of March 29th, 2009.
The Freedom Bridge Foundation volunteers include firemen and policemen, students and teachers, doctors and lawyers, business owners and employees, realtors and homeowners, developers and construction workers, artists and architects, engineers and accountants, Veterans and civilians, retirees and politicians, journalists and publishers. Everyone is putting their hands in, instead of asking for a hand out.
One of the most exciting portions of this project is the Memorial Walkway. Lining the channel will be memorial bricks, purchased by individuals and businesses, to honor or memorialize their friends, family members, or a Veteran. (A special section will be exclusively reserved for special bricks honoring our Veterans and their family members.) Also within the Memorial Walkway will be historical narratives depicting our country’s most important freedom events. These narrative “essays” are being written by Arizona’s best students, who get permanent fame and recognition for their entries. Visitors from around the world will arrive at Lake Havasu City’s Bridgewater Channel to walk along the Memorial Walkway and learn about America’s history.
Every civic or Veterans group can participate in this brick fundraising. Every brick sold includes a donation to the buyer’s favorite charity or civic group. To have your group apply, just check the website (www.HavasuFreedomBridge.com) and go to “group application”. Fundraising activities should continue over several years.
Gary Meyers
Chairman, Freedom Bridge Committee
www.HavasuFreedomBridge.com
PARTNERS IN OUR QUEST TO HONOR THOSE WHO SECURE OUR FREEDOM
