Campaign aims for Kalispell veterans memorial

'We will never forget'

Chuck Olson and Jack Heller noticed something missing in Kalispell, the Flathead County seat.

Their indignation grew each time peace protesters gathered at Main and Center streets. The community had no statue of a veteran to honor the county's war dead.

Without such a statue, even the "veteran" in the park's name had vanished over time.

"It is Veterans Park, not Depot Park," Olson said.

The bell memorial, chipping and missing a plaque, does little to remind the community of the veterans' ultimate sacrifice.

After organizing two dinner celebrations at the Elks for servicemen and women, Olson and Heller pondered what else they could do to show their gratitude. The missing serviceman monument in Kalispell came to mind.

Kalispell's first statue, a large bronze doughboy (a World War I infantryman) erected in 1928, was moved during Main Street reconstruction in the 1970s. It never returned.

After the statue spent a few years in storage, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution convinced the county commissioners to relocate the doughboy statue to the Montana Veterans Home - where it remains on display today.

Olson and Heller made inquiries about moving the doughboy back to downtown Kalispell. But the residents of the veterans home were firmly opposed, so they dropped that idea.

"We didn't want to upset the vets," Olson said. "So we decided we wanted to have a new memorial in Kalispell."

AFTER SOME brainstorming, the two figured they needed help from an artist to take the next step. They contacted C.A. Grende, a well-known sculptor in Big Arm.

Grende developed a clay rendering of a combat soldier kneeling in front of a comrade's hastily dug grave. His gun, with bayonet stuck in the ground, marks the site.

"Resting on the butt of the rifle is the helmet with dog tags," he said. "In front of the rifle will be the empty combat boots."

Veterans who saw the model loved the idea. Olson did too.

"The guy is honoring his fallen comrade," he said. "When it's in bronze and the sun is shining, it will be beautiful."

A base of black granite would support the bronze statue of the soldier executed at 125 percent of life size. Eight feet wide by 12 feet long, the base will rise 8 feet with "We will never forget!" etched on the front.

The granite base was designed large enough to include all the names of Flathead County servicemen who died defending the nation, with room to accommodate any lost in the future.

Fred Wheaton heads the list as the first from the county to make the ultimate sacrifice. He died in combat in the Spanish-American War.

Kane Funke and Matthew Saltz were the most recent, losing their lives in Iraq.

"This area lost 196 men going back to the Spanish-American War," Olson said. "That's a lot, considering the small size of the county."

With the concept in hand, he and Heller approached the Kalispell City Council for space in the park for the memorial. It was immediately approved for a prominent area at Center and Main now occupied by a flower garden.

"It's going to be free to the city," Olson said.

The Elks Lodge (BPOE 725) agreed to coordinate a fund drive to raise $250,000 for the memorial. It includes $25,000 for a perpetual fund to maintain or repair it.

Olson said the public shouldn't worry about vandalism.

"I talked to the police and sheriff," he said with a smile. "No one is going to touch this guy."

THE COMMUNITY has a wide array of donation options listed in a brochure available from the Elks.

It includes a challenge for religious, educational, veterans, civic, business, service and fraternal organizations to raise 1 percent of the cost, or $2,500. Those meeting the goal will receive a bronze memorial replica to keep or donate.

"We're also going to put in two time capsules," Olson said.

All organizations that donate may contribute documents and historical items such as medals for inclusion.

Originally, the idea was to open the time capsules in 50 and 100 years.

"We may change the opening to 25 and 50 years," Olson said. "That way, a few of us will still be around."

Individuals and businesses may contribute any amount. However, those who give $25 or more will be thanked with a listing in Fourth of July or Veterans Day newspaper advertisements.

Organizers also offer enduring recognition on engraved bricks leading to the memorial. These include:

-$210 - Walkway from Main and front.

-$160 - Walkway on memorial sides.

-$110 - Memorial rear and walkway in rear.

Donors may have their brick inscribed with the name of an individual, family, veteran or deceased veteran.

"If you're a vet, you can have your name, rank and serial number on it," Olson said.

The memorial has 1,000 bricks available on a first-come, first-served basis. Olson said a decision was made to exclude commercial names from this area.

"If businesses want, they can buy a bench," he said.

According to Olson, the artist will produce a 26-by-13-by-8-inch statue replica in a limited edition of 250 available for purchase for $2,200. Editions one through 196 will carry the name of one of the veterans honored on the memorial.

"These will be reserved for members of the families of the fallen vets," Olson said. "They will have the first shot at it."

He expects the memorial to take up to eight months to complete. A dedication ceremony is planned on the Fourth of July 2007 with a parade and statue unveiling at Main and Center streets.

Olson emphasized that the memorial fund drive represents a communitywide effort.

"We have the support of all the vet groups and the Eagles and the Moose," he said. "We're [the Elks] just spearheading this."

Contributors should mail donations to Elks Veterans Memorial Fund, c/o BPOE, P.O. Box 790, Kalispell, MT 59903.

Olson described himself as optimistic but a little nervous about raising the $250,000, since he put down a sizable down payment to start the production of the monument.

"I bought about 10,000 bricks," he said with a laugh.

Olson exhibits an infectious enthusiasm for the project. He admits he'll be pleased to see a permanent expression of the community's gratitude towering over the favorite corner for demonstrations.

"It's going to be lit at night," he said. "The flag will be flying behind him. It's going to be gorgeous."

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com