Plans in the works for vets memorial

Talk about it

Residents longing to honor veterans are banding together in an effort to raise funds for what could be a $500,000 granite memorial on two acres in Prairie Outpost Park in Dickinson.

Decorated veterans of the Vietnam and Korean wars, David Logosz and Cal Lundberg are spearheading the project.

It is estimated that about 7,000 veterans will be honored for their service, beginning with those who fought in the Spanish American War through to present conflicts. The memorial will combine granite panels with statues and be designed in a way to allow additional names as time goes on.

“This project is long overdue,” Logosz said. “It has been on my mind for 30 years.”

He added Prairie Outpost Park was chosen because it is a high-traffic area.

“My hope is that people driving by will see it and feel a sense of pride and patriotism,” Logosz said. “I hope travelers and residents take the time to remember the soldiers and maybe stop by to take a look or have a picnic there.”

Lundberg said it’s high time those who served from Stark County be recognized. Many neighboring small towns and counties have memorials but no one in Stark has taken the initiative, he added.

Logosz was unsure of the cost but estimates it at near half a million dollars. A Dunn County memorial cost more than $100,000, Lundberg said.

The Dunn County memorial took two years to complete and was finished in 2010. There are about 1,350 names on it, according to a previous Dickinson Press article.

Dickinson resident Linda Little was asked to help with the Stark County project.

“I don’t have anything on paper but if you look inside my head it’s beautiful,” Little said.

She will come up with ideas and drawings. Her past work includes two hawks at Hawk’s Point in Dickinson, among others. Some of her artwork is also on display in Arizona and New Hampshire.

Little said the tough part about the project besides funding is locating the veterans.

“I would hate to see anyone left out,” Little said.

The Stark County Veterans Memorial Association will hold an open meeting in the lower level of the Bank of the West at 150 West Villard in Dickinson on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Anyone who is interested in participating in these efforts is urged to attend. For information, contact the association at 701-225-9461.

Tags: veteran memorial, news, veterans