By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The Osoyoos-Oroville border crossing could have been the scene out of a movie in the early morning hours of Monday (Sept 29) as a northbound vehicle crashed through the border at speed.
Along the way, the vehicle took out the concrete border obelisk along with the Lions, Rotary and Legion monuments, leaving uprooted concrete and smashed plagues in a debris field that spread in all directions.
All that remains of the Lions Club monument is the logo.
Don S. Johnson, Tonasket/Okanogan Valley Lions Club photos via Facebook
The Lions’ monument underwent a major renovation in 2017 by the Osoyoos/Oroville Lions, incorporating a centennial celebration.
Lions Club members from both sides of the 49th Parallel after the monument was redone in 2017 and also included the centennial logo.
Contributed photo
While some have temptingly suggested it might have been someone trying to escape Donald Trump’s America in Handmaid’s Tale fashion, the actual explanation is somewhat more banal, yet incredulous nonetheless.
The Times Chronicle understands from sources that drunk driving was the cause of the early morning crash. The source indicated the incident is being handled by the Washington State Patrol.
All of the ceremonial monuments were destroyed in the crash.
Don S. Johnson, Tonasket/Okanogan Valley Lions Club photos via Facebook
The respective organizations have all been made aware of the destroyed monuments – ones that have stood for many years and are testaments to the close relationships between the service groups as well as veterans on both sides of the border.
Many of these organizations have indicated they will be meeting soon to discuss next steps.
