Veterans Memorial Park Dedication Ceremony Program

History of the The Veterans Memorial Park vision began a number of years ago with a veteran named Roger Westerso. He envisioned a park with a wall and various sculptures complemented by five pillars, each represen�ng a branch of the military. A por�on of his artwork was added to a Harley Davidson chopper which became the “Veterans Memorial Bike”. Don Purpur and John Hanson met at the 2011 Red River Valley Motorcyclists Show where the bike was on display.

Don and John began a discussion on the importance of building a Veterans Memorial Park (VMP). Our community has a rich military tradi�on from the North Dakota Na�onal Guard’s 164th Infantry, da�ng back to 1885, the Grand Forks Air Force Base, da�ng back to the 1950’s, and the thousands of community members who have served or are serving honorably in the military throughout the world.

Prominent support began with the Grand Forks Park District, the Grand Forks Parks & Recrea�on Founda�on, the Red River Valley Motorcyclists, the City of Grand Forks, veteran organiza�ons, and local veterans. The Grand Forks Park District generously offered the land at 2357 S 34th St, for the VMP and a groundbreaking was held on July 8, 2015. The Anchor from the U.S.S. Kiska was placed in the VMP on August 22, 2016.

Beginning in 2017, the VMP Officers and Commi�ee Members, under Chair Gen. Al Palmer came together to make a vision a reality. Gen. Palmer, Gary Shields, and Mike Hagen, with their major fundraising ac�vi�es, have led to the installa�on of: The Memorial Wall, the five Obelisks, the five shelters, the five Service Benches, the 15 Park Benches, the Gen Al Palmer Visitor Center, and the Donor Recogni�on Wall. Planning for the installa�on of General Atomics “Reaper”, a Northrop Grumman “Global Hawk”, and a B-52 Bomber is underway.

As the Veterans Memorial Park Commi�ee pursued the vision, dona�ons from numerous patrio�c individuals, families, businesses, and organiza�ons have made this beau�ful park a des�na�on loca�on.

Event Program WELCOME

General Al Palmer

INVOCATION

Monsignor Brian Donahue

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRESENTATION OF COLORS NATIONAL ANTHEM

UND ROTC Color Guard & Veterans

ARMED FORCES MEDLEY HISTORY OF PARK & 9/11 REMEMBRANCE General Al Palmer

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS & SPEAKERS Mayor Brandon Bochenski ND TAG MG Al Dorhmann 319 Wing Commander Col Timothy Curry UND President Andrew Armacost

RIBBON CUTTING

Anna Walker | WWII - Army Suzanne Kime | Korea - Navy William Lembke | Vietnam - Marines Jerry Johnson | Vietnam - Coast Guard Jay Bignornia | OEF - Air Force Casey Hillebrand | OIF - Army

BENEDICTION

Monsignor Brian Donahue

RIFLE SALUTE UND ROTC

TAPS & GRAND FINALE

Veterans Memorial Park Board Members

Al Palmer, Chair; Tom Saddler, Vice Chair; Bob Beauchamp, Treasurer; & Diane Knauf, Secretary.

Members: Roy Fillion, Joel Medd, Bruce Newland, Gary Shields, Greg Ve�el, Dennis Heap, Lou Lombardi, Steve Benson, George Schubert, John Hanson, Larry Holweger, James Groven, Mike Hagen., past Keith Trzynka, Dusty Hillebrand, Kyle Slivnik, deceased Don Purpur & Paul Smart.

Dedication Committee

Peggy Vanyo, Diane Knauf, Roy Fillion, Mike Hagen, George Schubert, Tom Saddler, Al Palmer, Joel Medd, Gary Shields, John Hanson, Lou Lombardi, Greg Ve�el, Becky Mindeman, Rick Ziegelmann, Dale Bergum, Spencer Halvorson, Jill Nelson, Caitlin Dahl, & Ca�e Trontvet.

The Veterans Memorial Park is owned & operated by the Grand Forks Park District