Mayor Sammy Phillips
Statement on the Passing of Pat Walker
Champion for the Community and our Veterans
Jacksonville Mayor Sammy Phillips issued a statement on the passing of Pat Walker of Jacksonville.
Mayor’s Statement
It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Pat Walker, January 20. Pat was a member of the Marine Corps League Auxiliary Chapter #262 in Jacksonville where her husband Lee is the current Commandant of the detachment. Together they were part of the vision to build a grand memorial in Jacksonville to celebrate and memorialize the lives of those who served in Vietnam.
Pat championed work to raise funds and oversee the implementation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial which includes the entry wall, the bridge, fountain, dome and etched glass wall with names of those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. This memorial is located at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens.
A former executive administrator aboard MCB Camp Lejeune, Pat was a motivator and inspiration to others. Among many honors for her dedication to those who serve our Country, Pat was awarded the Sergeant Major C A ’Mack’ McKinney Award representing the outstanding contributions to individuals, organizations and this community. She was also known for her contributions to Wreaths Across America, the Boy Scouts, Youth Sports, the Red Cross and a project in progress to build a visitor’s center at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens. Pat was active in many Veterans’ organizations working alongside her husband Lee and advanced many efforts, including the very successful Young Marine program.
I’ve had the honor to speak at the annual POW/MIA Ceremony and the Vietnam Veterans Ceremony, both held by the fountain and wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Pat and Lee were there at every occasion. Pat Walker was a positive force in this Community. She helped us to honor those who serve and reflected this City’s caring spirit. She will be truly missed.