Sign goes up at Mann memorial site

REARDAN - Six years ago, Medical Lake contractor Wayne Terry met Gail Daniels when he was hired to remodel the basement of a local church. One of his first comments to her was, "I can't believe no one in Reardan has done anything to honor Joe Mann."

Daniels was a classmate of one of Mann's nephews and had heard stories of his act of self-sacrifice that earned him the Medal of Honor in World War II, but she couldn't explain to Terry why Reardan had not honored Mann.

After further discussion, Daniels and Terry formed a nonprofit organization called Reardan Heroes. Their vision was to build a memorial and amphitheater visible from U.S. Highway 2 that would honor Mann and other men and women from the area who served in the armed forces.

On Thursday, Oct. 5, they saw tangible evidence of their dream when a sign reading "The future home of PFC Joe E. Mann Memorial" was erected on Reardan Heroes property located east of town, between the highway and the high school baseball fields.

"It has taken six years of hard work to get to this point," Daniels said. "A lot of people have believed in the project and have donated money. They have faithfully supported us without seeing any results. Now they will know that it's really going to happen."

Daniels said a groundbreaking ceremony will be held in the spring, followed by site development by civil engineers from the 141st Air Refueling Wing from Fairchild Air Force Base.

"They will complete the first half of the project next year," Daniels said. "The following year, we will build the amphitheater."

Even though 79 years have passed since Mann's death, Daniels said, "It is really important that we don't forget our past and the people who have fought for our freedom."

"Our goal is to honor veterans, from Lincoln County, Wellpinit and the rest of Stevens County, and those who have served from all across eastern Washington," she said.

Terry, a local wrestling coach, has told Mann's story of sacrifice to his athletes for the past 40 years. He wants the memorial to spark renewed patriotism amongst those who see it.

"I want this memorial to set a new paradigm on how our heroes are honored," he said. "They are much more deserving than a park bench or rock with a plaque on it. I want the people who see this to understand that freedom isn't free and that you need to honor those who have given it to you. Never take it for granted."