City Of Blanchard Unveils New Veterans Memorial

The City of Blanchard unveiled a new memorial to honor veterans ahead of Independence Day, according to city officials.

The memorial has been a long time coming, according to the town's mayor, and began nearly four years ago relying solely on donations.

"This memorial has been received by everyone as a very, very meaningful and solace place to be able to come collect, gather," Blanchard Mayor Michael Scalf said.

Scalf said the project initially cost $268,000 back in 2020, but came out to $460,000 after completion, being supported by funding from individuals, organizations and companies in the area.

Scalf said he is proud of how the memorial has come together, and how it has brought Oklahomans together as well.

"We wanted this [so] that not only Blanchard, but the state of Oklahoma would be proud... I think we accomplished that," Scalf said.

The bricks that make up the memorial honor veterans from across the United States, highlighting their names, armed services branch and where they served.

Scalf said there are 600 more bricks available for purchase.