This tiny memorial to a Tri-Cities Vietnam vet got a big renovation. Take a look
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- Kennewick’s Cpl. Gerald Carmichael Memorial received a full site renovation, including a new plaque.
- Local veterans, donors, and contractors led the memorial’s 2025 restoration effort.
- A public rededication event will honor Carmichael and recognize his sacrifice.
As hungry Kennewick students crossed 4th Avenue to get lunch, a nearby tiny memorial commemorating a big hero was shining a little brighter on Thursday.
The Cpl. Gerald Carmichael Memorial — a 3-foot-tall pyramid installed in the square at Vineyard Drive and Garfield Street to commemorate Kennewick’s first casualty from the Vietnam War — has been refurbished and its site redeveloped thanks to the efforts of volunteers and donors.
It will be rededicated at a 10 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the school district’s nearby Fruitland Building parking lot.
Kevin Veleke, a Marine Corps veteran who has coordinated efforts to spruce up local Vietnam War memorials, said Carmichael’s sacrifice is “well deserving” of the reconstruction work and event.
“I want to extend the most welcoming invitation to our community to come out and join us for this moving event for our veterans,” he said in a statement to the city.
The event will feature remarks by Carmichael’s sisters — JoAnn Poolman, Carolyn Kimbrough and Paula Rameau — as well as city officials.
Carmichael was a Kennewick High School student before he chose to leave school and enlist in the Marines in February 1965.
His sisters previously told the Herald he was bright but not committed to his education. He became a corporal early based on recommendations from his commanding officer.
He was deployed to Vietnam in March 1966.
Seven months later, while on patrol in Quang Tin, South Vietnam, he was killed in a small arms conflict. His body was recovered and was later buried at Riverview Heights Cemetery in Kennewick.
Carmichael died at 18.
In 1967, thanks to efforts of residents and Kennewick VFW Post 5785, the city renamed the short street near the former Fruitland Elementary School.
Two years later, a small pyramid monument was installed and dedicate at the intersection.
The monument got a refresh in 1993 and again in 2014.
This summer, a local group, Veterans & Friends for Veterans Memorials in Kennewick, led an effort to refurbish the site and improve the monument’s accessibility.
The entire island was rebuilt and paved with concrete slabs. Weeds, rocks and dirt were removed and a block wall was erected to accommodate a new plaque. Contractors contributed labor and materials.
Many families around Southeast Washington suffered tremendously from losing their sons during the Cold War. The Tri-Cities and Walla Walla communities combined lost about 53 men.
Representatives from several ROTC units, VFW posts and veteran advocacy groups plan to attend the rededication event. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Center in Yakima and Marine Corps Kennewick recruiting office also are scheduled to be there.
This story was originally published September 7, 2025 at 2:46 PM.
