September 2002:  The VP-2 Association formed a Memorial Committee to design and create a suitable Memorial to all who served in patrol squadrons home-based at NAS Whidbey Island, WA.

    Summer 2003:  After several Memorial designs were considered and various possible sites were investigated, the Memorial Committee reported its recommendations to the VP-2 Association.  The original design, which the VP-2 Association wholeheartedly endorsed, contained three statues, including an airman in flight gear, a young woman seated on one of the granite benches and a young child standing beside her.  After exhaustive deliberations, it was felt that the three-statue design would be too costly, and the design was scaled back to the one airman statue.

    Fall 2003:  The Memorial Committee petitioned the Oak Harbor city council for permission to locate the Memorial in Veterans Memorial Park in Oak Harbor.  In the meantime, fund-raising was begun within the VP-2 Association only.

    September 2004:  The Oak Harbor city council enthusiastically approved the design and site for the Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial (WPSM).  These results were reported at the VP-2 reunion in San Antonio later in September.  With Oak Harbor city approval in hand, planning began for wide-spread fund-raising campaigns outside of the VP-2 Association to include individuals, civic organizations, veterans groups, local Oak Harbor businesses and the defense industry.

    September 2005:  A contract was signed for the design and construction of the bronze airman statue.  Noted sculptor, Michael Maiden, developed a model of the statue for approval.

    December 2005:  The design for the airman statue was approved and work began on a full size clay model from which the bronze statue would be created.  A contract was signed for procurement and etching of the three-paneled granite wall and granite benches.

    Spring 2006:  A contract will be let for the procurement and inscribing of bricks to surround the patio floor of the Memorial.  Construction will begin on the footings and foundations for the Memorial patio.

    Summer 2006:  The patio floor, bronze statue and granite walls and benches will be installed by a local Oak Harbor contractor.

    September 14, 2006:  The date has been set for the dedication and turnover of the Memorial to the city of Oak Harbor.  Ceremonies will begin at 10:00 AM in Veterans Memorial Park.  This date coincides with the VP-2 reunion planned for that timeframe.  It is anticipated that Navy officials, local politicians and visiting dignitaries will attend the ceremony in addition to a large number of former members of VP-2 and other squadrons.  The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony.

[nvsoar   23Jan2006]