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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

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