EDMOND — A group of individuals determined to honor the memory of those who served on the USS Oklahoma and lost their lives in the onset of World War II is one step closer to seeing the completion of the memorial to be erected at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
“Phil Parduhn, president of Pelco Products Inc., an Edmond-based company was generous enough to donate a 40-foot flagpole and associated equipment plus a flag,” said retired Navy Cmdr. Jon W. “Tucker” McHugh, also of Edmond.
“When Phil was told of the need he generously contributed to a significant feature of the memorial.”
Parduhn, a veteran himself, served with the Army in Germany in 1956 as a forward observer for 4.2 Mortar Company.
One unusual thing about the flagpole, Parduhn said, is the rigging is totally self contained, and when the flag is raised it comes out of the flagpole halfway up making it harder for someone to cause damage to the flagpole or to take the flag.
“The flagpole for the USS Oklahoma Memorial was made in Oklahoma by Oklahomans, and it will fly 24/7, 365 days of the year at the memorial site,” McHugh said.
Wednesday, McHugh and retired Navy Rear Adm. Greg Slavonic of Oklahoma City, co-chairmen of the effort to raise money for the memorial, were joined at Pelco by Frank Naifeh of Edmond, who is treasurer of the effort.
“We wanted to recognize Phil for his generous donation of the flagpole,” McHugh said. “An Oklahoman stepped up when he was told of the need.”
Parduhn was presented with a signed print of the USS Oklahoma, a watercolor drawn by Greg Burns.
Numbered and signed prints still may be purchased as part of the fundraising efforts.
“We have raised to date about $700,000 toward a goal of $1.1 million,” McHugh said. “We are making these prints available, and right now we only have about 80 left.”
Prints may be purchased by sending $105, which includes shipping and handling.
Parduhn plans to attend the dedication along with his wife and 20 of his friends including two former mayors, Carl Reherman and Saundra Naifeh, and their spouses.
“When we are ready we will come and get the flagpole and ship it to Hawaii in time for the dedication, which is set for Dec. 7, during the centennial year since the USS Oklahoma is an official centennial event,” McHugh said.
pmiller@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 171
Local News
Memorial flagpole made by Edmond company
- Local News
-
-
$6.8B budget crosses final hurdle
House members found enough votes late Thursday afternoon to approve the state’s $6.8 billion budget for next year by a vote of 52-42. This came after an earlier vote failed by four votes in the House Thursday morning.
-
Santa Fe principal resigns
Edmond Santa Fe High School principal Earl Kirkpatrick resigned Thursday to explore possibilities in the field of ministry. His last day is June 30.
-
Hollywood dreams do come true: Edmondite develops film, music career
It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.
At least that is what Edmond resident and 1990 Edmond High School graduate Devin Derrick will tell you about his rise to fame in the music and movie businesses. -
ASK A LAWYER: Trusts provide options for difficult heirs
Q: We have a grown daughter who has a gambling problem. We want to provide for her in our will, but also want to protect her share from being wasted after we die. How can we do this?
A: Your situation is not unusual. Most of us know at least one person who has difficulty handling money for one reason or another. -
5-26 Pets
This is a list of animals that have been found and are at the Edmond Animal Shelter, at Interstate 35 and Covell in the Cross Timbers Municipal Complex. Call the shelter at 216-7615 for more information.
-
5-26 Police and Fire
Information in this column is gathered from city fire incident logs and police incident reports.
-
Make-A-Wish Oklahoma hosts Lexus raffle
Make-A-Wish Oklahoma will once again partner with Lexus of Tulsa and Eskridge Lexus of Oklahoma City to raffle off a new Lexus, raising funds to support the organization’s efforts to grant the heartfelt wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions in Oklahoma.
-
Edmond youth are encouraged to make a difference
The Edmond Youth Council programs are opportunities for students 15-18 years of age to learn about municipal government and potentially impact future city policies.
-
Hiebert graduates from Field Artillery training
Army Pfc. Cody A. Hiebert has graduated from the Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Sill, Lawton.
-
Police: Comply with lake rules during holiday period
Summer vacation, hot days and a holiday weekend spell heavier traffic on Arcadia Lake, and police want to remind guests about rules and what happens if you break them.
May 23 was the last day of school for Edmond Public Schools and the long Memorial Day holiday period has come. - More Local News Headlines
-
$6.8B budget crosses final hurdle

