Plaque pays tribute Oklahoma’s Medal of Honor recipients
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Molly Wehrenberg and Don Powers have poured their hearts into finding a way to honor Oklahoma’s Medal of Honor Recipients.
“I can’t describe it,” said Wehrenberg. “Don and I’ve been working on this since 2019. COVID got in the way but we got it done.”
LOCAL NEWS: Mother, friend remember teen killed in car accident by alleged drunk driver
Five years later, their mission was finally accomplished. On Monday, a dedication ceremony was held for a plaque that pays tribute to the 36 Oklahomans who have earned the Medal of Honor.
“These are two American patriots who didn’t do this for any personal gain whatsoever,” said House Representative Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City. “These are people who care about what happens here.”
The plaque is the first of its kind to be dedicated as a permanently installed piece in a state capitol.
“I just wanted to see that Oklahomans could understand what sacrifice really means,” said Powers. “Freedom’s not free, but everybody on that list will tell you that.”
You can find the plaque in the Hall of Heroes on the second floor of the state capital.
The design and installation of the plaque was facilitated by the Oklahoma Arts Council in partnership with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Oklahoma House of Representatives, the Oklahoma Legislative Veterans Caucus, and Mass Architects Inc, according to a press release.
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration. Two of the three living Oklahoma Recipients, Specialist Five Dwight Birdwell and Staff Sergeant Earl Plumlee, were recognized at Monday’s ceremony.
“It’s a humbling experience,” said Birdwell. “But I consider it more an act of appreciation for those who served before and with me and who are serving now.”
LOCAL NEWS: Moore PD announces ‘Operation House Watch’
Plumlee also expressed his appreciation.
“When people see my name on that plaque, I would hope that they would research the story and know the names of the people that I served with that were injured so that I could be held up as an example,” said Plumlee.
There is space on the plaque intentionally left open to add names of Oklahomans who will earn the Medal of Honor in the future.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
