Patriotic statue pays tribute to Eagles member, all veterans

Family, friends, Eagles members and community members gathered in downtown Ritzville the morning of June 25 to honor Klay McCrady through a statue dedication.

McCrady was killed on Oct. 4, 2010, near Genesse, Idaho, when his truck overturned.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2739 has spent several weeks on the project, from acquiring the eagle statue to installing it in front of the lodge on Washington Street.

The morning ceremony was punctuated with a photo opportunity with all five of McCrady’s children gathered around the statue.

Following the photographs, Bob Tracy offered a few words as he opened the dedication ceremony.

“We are gathered here for the same reason, to honor Klay Marcus McCrady and all of the men and women from Adams County who have served in the United Stated armed forces.

“Putting up this eagle in his and their memory is quite appropriate.

“Klay served eight years in the Army, Airbornes and Rangers. No easy task.

“He served two full terms as worthy President of our Aerie and was taken from us in his third term.

“The Eagle – symbol of our great country. The Eagle – symbol of our Fraternal Order. Klay served both.

“He was a loyal friend, he loved his family.

“Thank you, Klay, for all you did and all of us you touched. A friend and brother, always smiling, always laughing and so much more to us all.

“We would like to thank Mayor Linda Kadlec and the Ritzville City Council for their collective wisdom and approval.

“I thank the Eagles’ trustees who went to these meeting and following through on every phase of this project.

“Also to all Eagles’ members and others who had a hand in this project, big or small.

“To the members of the McCrady family, thank you all being here. It is an honor to have each and every one of you in attendance.

“It is now that I have the honor and privilege to present and dedicate this memorial on June 25, 2011. In memory of Klay Marcus McCrady.”

Eagles chaplain Scott Monroe closed the ceremony in prayer:

“Father God, we live our lives as humans. As men and women we carry grief when those whom we love are taken from us.

“Yet in our grief, we remember Klay McCrady and our relationships with Klay now gone from us. We honor the life he continues to give us, as we tell and retell his stories in our community.

“This monument is a sign of remembrance. We raise this memorial to stand as a reminder of Klay’s sacrifice.

“May it stand as a lasting symbol of his love for us and the community. May it stand for all to see the commitment that Klay had given, fill us with your peace and strength as we bless this memorial in your name.

“May it stand as a symbol of the love that we have for each other and as a reminder to us and the community of the life of Klay McCrady.”