Veterans, Park Committee reach agreement
The Parks Committee, a group comprised of City Council members, and the Lincoln County Veterans Memorial Foundation have come to a tentative deal to place a monument at Riverfront Park.
The groups met during a Parks Committee meeting Friday and an agreement likely will be signed at the City Council’s second meeting this month on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
“We’re glad to have it done,” Parks Committee Chairwoman Peggy Williams said. “The veterans have reviewed it, and Mr. (City Attorney Jim) Reintsma will have changes. I feel like we can have it done by the 19th.”
Veterans Committee Secretary Brent Teske said the deal mostly is consummated.
“We met and went through the contract, and I think we’re on board with it. There will be an agreement signed at the meeting later this month, on Tuesday after Presidents’ Day.”
Park Committee members Vicky Lawrence and Robin Benson reflected on the process, and both are happy a deal has been achieved.
“It’s a good step for the community,” Lawrence said. “I’m very excited about the work the veterans have been doing to get their monument in Riverfront Park. Brent Teske has done a great job for them. In the end, (the safeguards) will protect the veterans as well as the city.”
Benson, who stated from the beginning she wanted the monument in the park, concurred.
“All of us are excited about moving forward with the veterans memorial,” Benson said. “It will be a beautiful addition to the park for all to enjoy, and I am anxious and look forward to celebrating its completion. We will continue to work with the veterans committee to move this project forward.”
Council President Bill Bischoff had not heard of the tentative agreement when contacted for comment, but indicated the hard work has paid off, saying, “I’m glad to hear that.”
Veterans have indicated they have been put through rigorous mandates to achieve their monument. However, now that appears to be in the past.
The veterans seek to erect a bronze of a World War II-Korean War-era soldier pulling a more modern-era equipped soldier to safety. The veterans have commissioned local sculptor Scott Lennard to construct the bronze, which they hope to dedicate on Veterans Day 2014.
Local sculptor Todd Berget produced a rendering of the proposed sculpture that was approved by veterans and presented to Lennard for commissioning.
Veterans are selling individual commemorative walkway bricks that will include three lines that will include a service member’s name and rank, branch of service and time of service.
Brick forms are available at both the Libby and Troy Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and at the Libby American Legion. Cost of each brick is $100.
Persons should send contributions to the Lincoln County Veterans Memorial Foundation Fund, P.O. Box 1638, Libby, Mont., 59923.