The Wamego City Park was the scene of the Veteran’s Memorial groundbreaking ceremony Monday. American Legion Post 172 Commander, Gary McCloud opened the ceremony with a ‘thank you’ to all who played a part in getting the idea, which came about in February of 2013, to this point.
The Wamego community has raised over $230,000 of the $250,000 needed to build the memorial. According to McCloud, the remaining goods and services have been provided by the following:
-
Terry Force, Surveying
-
Scott Dinger, Stripping and Hauling
-
Rob Eichman (MCM), Base Grading and Concrete supplying
-
Chris Hyberger (ECI), Electrical
-
Pat Weixelman, Concrete Construction
-
City of Wamego, Irrigation
-
Jason Powell, Security
-
Brad Ross, Electric Engineering Design
-
Bryan Newell, Riley Construction
McCloud said there were those who said it would take five years to raise the needed funds, but it took two. After meeting with the City in April of 2013 to ask for their support and determine a location, things fell into place.
After blessing the site by Rev. Jim Kiker, the ground breaking took place. According to McCloud, the Legion members used period correct entrenching tools (except WWI) to break the ground. The Legion members taking part and the war they represent were:
-
WWI – Lynn Ballenger
-
WWII – Dean Fechter
-
Korea – Corky Schumacher
-
Viet Nam – Dal Coats
-
Iraq – Kennan Coats and Jake McCoy
-
Afghanistan – Dave Ross
(all are in the photo, left to right as listed)
City Manager Merl Page said the memorial is another example of public partnerships that create a meaningful way to honor all those that have served. This memorial will represent all wars.
