Last Tuesday, Kansas Granite employees installed the 6,000-pound third stone at the Golden Belt Veterans Memorial north of Great Bend, Mick Lang, Memorial Parks Advisory Committee member, told the County Commission Monday morning.
He also reminded commissioners that the committee has scheduled the dedication of the stone for 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, which is Veterans Day.
The ceremony will include a musical selection by the Great Bend High School Band, the dedication, program by Congressman Roger Marshall, recognition of the American Legion Honor Guard and a presentation by the Golden Plains Quilts of Valor.
In May, it was announced that enough lines have been purchased and the long-anticipated third stone was a go, Lang said.
The last of the over 300 names were sent to Kansas Granite in Ellis, which is engraving the massive tablet. Proofs were sent back to Barton County for a final check before the work began.
In April, the commission approved the purchase of the stone at a cost of $23,024. Local sculptor Chet Cale facilitated the purchase, working with County Works Director Darren Williams and others to prepare the location.
The project continues
Furthermore, “plans are in the works for stone No. 4,” Lang said. There are about 200 lines left to be purchased.
When the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Hoisington disbanded, members contributed money from the chapter to purchase 200 lines. At $45 per line, 540 (about 370 veterans) have to be sold before each of the stones can be ordered.
To date, there are about 1,000 names are accounted for with the memorial.
The second stone was dedicated on Veterans Day in 2016, and the first stone on Veterans Day the year before. But, the project dates back to 2012 when the idea of a memorial was first raised.
The first two stones flank a center obelisk. In addition to the stones, there are flags representing the branches of service, including Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Merchant Marines.
The third stone will be staggered behind stone one. Number four will be behind number two.
Background
The Golden Belt Veterans’ Memorial honors veterans with Barton County ties who have served in all conflicts and in all branches of the military who have a connection with Barton County. Qualifications to be included are proof that the veteran was at least at one time a Barton County residency and an honorable discharge from the military. The veteran can be living or deceased, and active-duty service members are also eligible.
Those wanting to purchase a spot on the memorial or make a donation can bring their payments to the Barton County administration office in room 107 of the courthouse at 1400 Main in Great Bend. For more information call 620-793-1800.
Checks must be made payable to Barton County.
The monument is located at the Golden Belt Memorial Park, 59 NW 50 Road, north of Great Bend.
