Meyer Park Memorial Time Capsule Opening

Photo By Cpl. Jon Stone | Friends and family of Thomas Meyer watch as a time capsule is opened at Thomas Meyer Memorial Field on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 31, 2022. The field was dedicated to Thomas Meyer at a formal ceremony, Oct. 31, 1997, after he was struck and killed by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle, Nov. 1, 1996. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jon C. Stone)  

YUMA, AZ, UNITED STATES

11.08.2022

Story by Capt. Brett Vannier 

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Arizona (Nov. 8, 2022) – Family and friends of the Meyer family came together to recognize the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Thomas Meyer Memorial Park on MCAS Yuma, Oct. 31, 2022.

The group assembled to share stories, say prayers, mourn, and to open a time capsule buried two and a half decades ago.

“As we have come together in this time of sweet joy and of remembering Thomas, our family is forever grateful for the outpour of love, tears, and support that we not only received on Nov. 1, 1996, but that is received to this day,” said Francine “Fran” Hall, a sibling of Thomas Meyer. “Before I finish with a poem, I want to thank you sincerely, from my heart, my family’s heart, for coming together on this special day! Thank you for not forgetting Thomas, and who he was.”

Sealed inside the time capsule were three large tubes labeled family, school, and station. Within each a flood of memories, pictures, letters, poems, heartbreak, and remembrance.

The park was dedicated to Thomas Meyer at a formal ceremony on Oct. 31, 1997. Thomas Meyer, born July 18, 1980, was the son of Gunnery Sgt. Michael Benjamin and Penny Meyer. He was 16 years old when he was struck and killed by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle on Avenue 3E on Nov. 1, 1996.

In July 2001, his father, who retired from the Marine Corps in July of 1998, was also killed in a motor vehicle accident while serving as a Yuma County Deputy Sheriff. Michael Meyer was assigned to MAWTS-1 before retiring from the Marine Corps.

The Thomas Meyer Memorial Park is located on approximately 14 acres of desert land which has been converted to an irrigated grassy park and includes an illuminated running track, concrete sidewalks, a little league field, and memorial area.

"MCAS Yuma is honored to maintain the Thomas Meyer Memorial Park," said Col. Charles Dudik, commanding officer, MCAS Yuma. "We are grateful for the opportunity to continually pay our respects to the Meyer Family, and to live in a community which places such value on service."

For additional information please contact the Communication Strategy and Operations Office at [e-mail] .

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• Date Taken: 11.08.2022
• Date Posted: 11.09.2022 10:16
• Story ID: 432904
• Location: YUMA, AZ, US