Patriotic statue pays tribute to Eagles member, all veterans

Jennifer Larsen | Last updated Jun 30, 2011 12:0pm0

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FAMILY TRIBUTE. The children of Klay McCrady gather around a statute placed in front of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2739 in downtown Ritzville Saturday morning before a dedication ceremony. Pictured are David O’Donnel (left), Nicole Schaefer, Samantha McCrady, Rachael McCrady and Konrad McCrady.

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 wor...