It is an Honor to bring you the Dedication Ceremony of the Clayton Terra Cotta Eagle on Aug. 7, 2010.
The Eagle is dedicated in honor of all Service Members and Veterans, but especially members, past and present, of the 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry.
Rowena Valencia-Gica, an environmental specialist with the Washington National Guard, started the ball rolling to save the Eagle. She shows how she feels about the Eagle in the following statement: When I first saw this sculpture standing at Geiger Field, I had no idea that it signifies an important connection between the people of Clayton and the National Guard. For the benefit of those who do not know, this connection actually began way back in the early 1920s, when the State Armory in Spokane was renovated. At that time, a terra cotta eagle sculpture, molded in Clayton, was placed at the center of the front cornice, perched on top of the State Armory. This sculpture was later transferred to Geiger Field sometime in the 1980s when demolition of the building was proposed. It had been sitting there just fine….but recently, a redevelopment of the Spokane International Airport again threatened to have the sculpture demolished. To make a long story short, our office contacted various organizations including the Clayton Deer Park Historical Society to inquire what can be done to preserve this sculpture. Moving quickly was one of the conditions for taking the sculpture, and so, the society membership acted really fast to ensure that the eagle could be relocated in Clayton. This sculpture has been saved and re-erected in Clayton not only to honor the men and women of the National Guard for their service and sacrifices, but more significantly, as a legacy of Clayton’s important history—the town’s artistic, rococo past. This sculpture also symbolizes the power of faith, unity, vision, dedication, and hard work that the people of Clayton and Deer Park, through the Clayton Deer Park Historical Society, has showed--you put your hands together to ensure the restoration of this beautiful masterpiece, a reminder of your forefathers’ creativity and dexterity. Although the eagle sculpture was a donation from the Washington National Guard, the credit for its restoration and making this function possible goes largely to your historical society, the CDPHS. Because you have worked so hard so that this brilliant work of art takes it place, you can be assured that Clayton’s legacy will live on for generations to come. This magnificent work will speak of you and your forefathers’ skills for years to come even as we ceased to speak about it. From all of us at the Washington Military Department and National Guard, we wish your society and everyone in Clayton and Deer Park the very best.
Rowena Valencia-Gica, an environmental specialist with the Washington National Guard, started the ball rolling to save the Eagle. She shows how she feels about the Eagle in the following statement: When I first saw this sculpture standing at Geiger Field, I had no idea that it signifies an important connection between the people of Clayton and the National Guard. For the benefit of those who do not know, this connection actually began way back in the early 1920s, when the State Armory in Spokane was renovated. At that time, a terra cotta eagle sculpture, molded in Clayton, was placed at the center of the front cornice, perched on top of the State Armory. This sculpture was later transferred to Geiger Field sometime in the 1980s when demolition of the building was proposed. It had been sitting there just fine….but recently, a redevelopment of the Spokane International Airport again threatened to have the sculpture demolished. To make a long story short, our office contacted various organizations including the Clayton Deer Park Historical Society to inquire what can be done to preserve this sculpture. Moving quickly was one of the conditions for taking the sculpture, and so, the society membership acted really fast to ensure that the eagle could be relocated in Clayton. This sculpture has been saved and re-erected in Clayton not only to honor the men and women of the National Guard for their service and sacrifices, but more significantly, as a legacy of Clayton’s important history—the town’s artistic, rococo past. This sculpture also symbolizes the power of faith, unity, vision, dedication, and hard work that the people of Clayton and Deer Park, through the Clayton Deer Park Historical Society, has showed--you put your hands together to ensure the restoration of this beautiful masterpiece, a reminder of your forefathers’ creativity and dexterity. Although the eagle sculpture was a donation from the Washington National Guard, the credit for its restoration and making this function possible goes largely to your historical society, the CDPHS. Because you have worked so hard so that this brilliant work of art takes it place, you can be assured that Clayton’s legacy will live on for generations to come. This magnificent work will speak of you and your forefathers’ skills for years to come even as we ceased to speak about it. From all of us at the Washington Military Department and National Guard, we wish your society and everyone in Clayton and Deer Park the very best.
Pamela Smith was the first to cover our Eagle in a Spokane paper. She covered our story to date with accuracy. We congratulate and thank her and the Spokesman Review.
Soon the visiting dignitaries began arriving. Rowena Valencia Gica and her family joined Bill Sebright, far left and Grace Huble far right. Rowena led the charge to bring the Eagle home.
The dream team, the Gica family and Lt. Col. McMahan, all from Camp Murry, WA, adjacent to FT. Lewis. Col. McMahan commands the 1st Battalion of the 161st Infantry.
Rowena Valencia-Gica. Lieutenant Colonel Kevin McMahan, Bob Clouse
The VFW Color Guard from Deer Park, WA, honored us with their presence at the Brick Yard Day Parade. Photo by J. L. Brian, photographer for the Deer Park Gazette and the CDPHS.
6 year old Elindil Gica, oldest son of Rowena and Edison decided it was high time that Lt Col McMahan received a briefing on the operation of the United States Army. The Colonel hunkered down & listened to every word. As I departed Gabe was explaining the operation of the Army tank, all the time receiving the Colonel’s undivided attention.
Eddy Olson and Joreen Peer make it to all the Clayton Brickyard Day activities in their "Clayton Limo."
Society President Bill Sebright emceed the Dedication. Pastor Duane Anderson from Zion Lutheran Church (Once located a mile from the Eagle, before being moved to Deer Park in 1950) read some appropriate Bible verses and opened the ceremony with a prayer. Amy Daniels Scholz sang the Star Spangled Banner beautifully. Lieutenant Colonel Kevin McMahan gave a speech. The Dedication was a smash hit and perfect in every manner.
Mae Huffman Fischbach (Class of 1932, Clayton High School), Tuffy Luhr (Class of 1936, DPHS), Alan Berg (Class of 1942, DPHS), and Lieutenant Colonel Kevin McMahan sit in the front row as honored guests.
Warren Nord, World War II Veteran, enjoys the Eagle Dedication ceremony.
Art Stelting, another WW II Veteran in attendance. One other Veteran from Clayton, Don Clouse was not present for the ceremonies.
When our little Clayton throng gathers it can be a delightful spectacle. It seems we were possessed with pride. Chances are God was proud of us.
It's words like these from a man of his stature that makes our Website a treasure to share.
The attendance for the Dedication is estimated in the 200 plus figure. Unbelievable approval and praise for the entire project has come from all walks of life. We want to thank all those who turned out for this Historic event, the likes of which most likely will never happen again.
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This is an article from the August 4, 2010, Tribune. I tells a little about the Grand Marshalls of the Clayton Brickyard Day Parade, Alan Berg and Alvin “Tuffy” Luhr. Thanks Tom Costigan!
In the early hours of August 7, 2010, the festivities began and Clayton Brickyard Day was off. The Eagle was in regal form. This was to be an historic day in the life of Clayton, Washington.
Soon Lieutenant Colonel McMahan arrived on the scene joined by two of Clayton’s WW II vets, Alan Berg and his brother Tuffy Luhr.
"The Eagle" as described by JoAnne C. R. & her husband Bruce from Proccer WA. These words were written by a total stranger and her rendition of a little Getteysburg address, “It is an impressive piece, the restoration is incredible and the layout of the memorial is nothing short of amazing, particularly for such a little hole in the wall town. It’s humbling as to what can be done when people are determined and dedicated.”
Mr. Art Ohler helped restore the Eagle back in the 70s. He was a consultant during the current restoration. Art has an extensive Military record that we want to get to the bottom of. Lt. Col. McMahan let the cat out of the bag but we were unable to recall the details.
Brothers Alan Berg & Tuffy Luhr, both Veterans of WW II admire the Eagle display,
Jessica Simon was one of the representatives from Knight Construction at the Eagle Dedication. Bob Clouse is on the right.
Doug Knight, pictured, was also at the Dedication along with Kim Lucas and Jessica Simon. Kim gave Bob Clouse a Knight cap. You can see it in the picture taken with Jessica. That one won't get away.
Lieutenant Colonel McMahan paid tribute to those under his command and the people of the Clayton Deer Park community. When he was finished there was no doubt that he was sincere.
The one & only Pete Coffin ever on the prowl with Canon camera at the ready.
At the very head of the Fun Run line was Norma Lindh Burnette. The Clayton Drive In was thriving.
RESERVERED FOR J.L BRIAN, JEFF LILLY!
With all the praise and accolades being bandied about there is really one fact that is constant. If Rowena Valencia-Gica had never located our Society, hadn’t found the needle in the haystack & this story at best would merely be a day dream.
Eddie Kingrey and Bob Clouse drew a couple long straws too. Ed's wife Mari is from Tokyo, Japan. Bob's wife Mary is from Fall River, Massachusetts. The pieces seem to fall in place, exactly as they did for this celebration. This occasion will not be soon forgotten. It was memorable!
BILL SEBRIGHT! THE MAN OF THE HOUR.
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