Murphy – Oscar Valdes doesn’t shy away from any challenges.
From operating flamethrowers during the Korean War to adding “Veterans” to the name of Konehete Veterans Park, 92-year-old Valdes gets things done.
Valdes has lived in Cherokee County since 1999.
“I fell in love, except I saw nothing with ‘veterans’ on it,” Valdes told the board of commissioners on May 6, when he pitched the idea of a gateway arch at Konehete Veterans Park.
Valdes succeeded in getting the park’s name changed to include the word “veterans” in 2023, but for him it wasn’t enough. He envisioned a gateway arch to greet visitors to Konehete Veterans Park and pitched his idea to the board of commissioners.
The board wanted more details and asked him to come back to the May 20 meeting.
Valdes missed that meeting, but it didn’t matter. His idea of “details” meant a nearly completed 20-foot by 13-foot sign thanks to Curtis Signs & Glass and Interstate Welding.
“It’s already built,” Cherokee County Commissioner Jan Griggs said.
The structure is made of concrete and tubular steel, all donated or covered by Valdes. The board approved the plan and handed it off to the Murphy Town Council, which added its unanimous approval during its June 3 meeting.
Federal, state and local dignitaries attended the ceremony to rename Konehete Veterans Park in January 2023. The ceremony was spearheaded by Griggs and put together by the county board of commissioners. It was kept secret from Valdes, as they intended for it to be a surprise for his birthday.