The Edmond Sun

Local News

July 2, 2009

Attorney general to speak at Edmond memorial dedication

EDMOND — Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson is historically qualified to be part of Saturday’s ceremony honoring the city’s World War II veterans.

Back in the day, his parents, Ed and June Edmondson, met and married in San Diego. His mother was a member of the Navy WAVEs and his father was a Navy lieutenant who commanded gun crews on a merchant marine ship.

His mother’s service was interrupted due to regulations at that time prohibiting married women from serving in the military.

In the early 1940s, before joining the Navy, his father was a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His other public service includes a stint as a county attorney in Muskogee County and being a U.S. congressman from 1953-73.

Edmondson said his parents’ example instilled in his family a commitment to public service. And during WW II, like other families the Edmondsons sacrificed both on the front lines and through rationing at home to aid in the war effort.

His parents and other members of The Greatest Generation helped end Axis-led tyranny and enhanced a sense of security, Edmondson said.

Bucking a trend of family members of U.S. senators and representatives not serving in the military, Drew Edmondson served in the Navy. During his tour in Vietnam he was stationed at Tan Son Nhut Airbase, located just outside of Saigon. He retired as a petty officer second class E5 and a yeoman.

Edmondson, an announced candidate for governor in 2010, was first elected to the attorney general post in 1994. His other public service includes being elected to one term in the state Legislature and three consecutive terms as Muskogee County district attorney.

Edmondson urged Fourth of July parade-goers to attend the WW II memorial Russell Dougherty statue dedication, which will be after the parade ends at about 11:30 a.m. at Russell Dougherty Elementary School, east of downtown Edmond along North Boulevard Avenue.

Curt Munson, chairman of the Edmond Parks Foundation board of directors, has been a prime worker in the effort to have a WW II memorial in Edmond.

Munson said Edmondson is a prominent Oklahoman who was an excellent choice to speak at the memorial dedication. Munson said for residents the attorney general’s appearance provides a great opportunity to hear a first-class speech.

“It’s so terrific,” Munson said of dedication day’s arrival. “We have looked forward to this.”



marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108

Text Only
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.

    May 25, 2012

  • 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.

    May 25, 2012

  • devin derrick 2012.jpg 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.

    May 25, 2012 1 Photo

  • 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.

    May 25, 2012

  • 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.

    May 25, 2012

  • 5-26 Police and Fire

    Information in this column is gathered from city fire incident logs and police incident reports.

    May 25, 2012

  • 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.

    May 25, 2012

  • 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.

    May 25, 2012

  • 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.

    May 25, 2012

  • arcadia lake 3.jpg 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.

    May 25, 2012 6 Photos