Bridge Built in Ben Linder's Memory, Commemoration Event this Friday

This past Saturday April 21, about 20 people came together in Forest Park to commemorate the life of Ben Linder. In the tradition of the Ben Linder Construction Bridage, which brought hundreds of Portland residents to Nicaragua in the 1980s, the group built a new bridge in Ben's honor. This Friday at 7pm, we'll gather to celebrate Ben's life and the continuing work for social justice in Nicaragua.

About 20 volunteers came together to build the bridge and repair the trail in Forest Park. The work party was organized by people who had been on the Ben Linder Construction Brigades to Nicaragua after his death, the Portland Central American Solidarity Committee, Green Empowerment and the Linder family. The tools and logistical support were provided by the Friends of Forest Park.

At 8:30am we started hauling materials to the bridge site on the well-used trail. The day we chose happened to be the same day that about 100 of marathon runners were doing a test-run on the trail. We felt well-appreciated as the runners thanked us as they jogged by on the trail. Some volunteers dug out a corroded culvert and built the wooden bridge while others sculpted "rolling grade dips" to channel the water off the trail. Everyone pitched in, including John Linder's (Ben's brother) 5 and 7 year old kids who joyfully hauled buckets of dirt. After completing the bridge around noon, we gathered in the rain to enjoy a picnic donated by Pastaworks. Finally, we huddled by the PCASC banner and cheered "Ben Linder, Presente!" as the shutter snapped a group photo.

Please join us this Friday for an evening to remember Ben.

On the 20th Anniversary of His Death In Nicaragua...

An Evening to Remember Ben Linder And Learn How His Work Continues

When: Friday, April 27, 7 pm

Where: First United Methodist Church, SW 18th & Jefferson, Portland

What: This event is to remember Ben Linder, the Portland engineer murdered by U.S.-backed "contras," and to learn how the rural development project he and others started in northern Nicaragua continues today.

Presentations by:

Niko Kozobolidis - Civil engineer on the Cuá-Bocay hydroelectric project that Ben initiated. Niko has just returned from Cuá-Bocay and has been an integral part of the project for 20 years.

The Linder family

Music by Lolo Cutumay

Juggling by Ben Schoenberg

Event is free. Donations to continue Ben's work in Nicaragua are welcome.

For more information call John Linder, 503-777-6513, or Green Empowerment 503-284-5774.