Yuma Unveils Memorial Plaque for Two Local Veterans
Armed Forces Park honors the military service of Kenneth Metoyer and Victor Jones with a new memorial plaque.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Military
A commemorative ceremony at Armed Forces Park recently honored the military service of Kenneth Metoyer and Victor Jones. The event brought together friends, family, and personnel from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma to mark the unveiling.
Why it matters
The ceremony serves to recognize the contributions of local veterans who served during the Vietnam War and World War II. By installing this memorial, the community preserves the legacy of those who contributed years of service to the nation.
The memorial recognizes Kenneth Metoyer, age 80, for his four-year Vietnam War deployment and honors the two-year World War II service of Victor Jones. These figures represent the specific tenure of each veteran recognized in the new installation.
The players
Kenneth Metoyer
He is an 80-year-old veteran who served four years in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
Victor Jones
He is a veteran who completed two years of military service during World War II.
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma
This is a primary military installation located in Yuma that maintains strong ties to the surrounding veteran community.
The details
The unveiling event at Armed Forces Park included attendees from the local community, retired veterans, and representatives from the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. This addition to the park highlights the specific historical roles the men played in their respective military eras.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: The plaque unveiling ceremony was held at Armed Forces Park.
Political Context
This story follows a pattern set by the National Park Service's Commemorative Works Act regarding local veteran memorial placement. Opponents of such local monuments sometimes raise concerns about the long-term maintenance costs and the criteria used to select specific honorees.
Residents visiting Armed Forces Park can now view the memorial as part of the public space. The installation serves as a permanent local fixture honoring military history for those living in or visiting the Yuma area.
The takeaway
Honoring local veterans through permanent markers helps bridge the gap between historical military service and current public awareness. Communities can look to this effort as a model for how to integrate personal stories of service into shared public spaces.
Further reading
Learn more about local historical initiatives at Yuma Military.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KYMA.
