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THE SUN
APRIL 8, 2015 www.osceolasun.com
Veterans and supporters imagine ‘living memorial’
POMMER: Seniors FROM PAGE 5
BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
A group of about a dozen, representing a mix of community interests, attended a March 31 meeting that signaled the start of a renewed effort to build a St. Croix River Valley Veterans Memorial in Osceola. “There were people from the VFW, the Legion, people from Village and the Historical Society,” said the group’s informal leader, Larry Jepsen. “It was a good mix.” Memorial design was one focus of the night’s conversation. Though a design was proposed during the project’s earlier iteration, circa 2006, the group has decided to change the site of the memorial. With that shift came new ideas for the memorial’s role and its design. “The scope of the project seems to be changing,” observed Jepsen. “Future veterans might want to buy a stone. … It’s going to be a fluid kind of design that grows and changes.” It will mean a lot more work, he noted. “It’s easier to build a static display and say, ‘To all those who have served…’” said Jepsen. “This will be a living memorial, in a way.”
The idea of a living memorial seemed to resonate with everyone in attendance, he said. Group members will research designs and bring ideas to the next meeting. “We’re going to do that as individuals,” said Jepsen. “On our own, we’ll take opportunities to stop and look at various memorials, take pictures and see how people have handled it.” In addition to developing a new design, the group plans to create a Facebook page and an updated brochure. Jepsen said the group would benefit from having more members, especially women. “We need a few more women getting involved,” said Jepsen. “The guys are great at coming up with ideas, but if you want to get it done you have to go to the women in the group.” The goal is to have the memorial ready for dedication at this year’s Wheels and Wings celebration. “People like the idea of that goal, that push,” said Jepsen. “It’s coming.” The group will meet again at 7 p.m. April 23 at the Osceola Village Hall. For more information contact Larry Jepsen: (715) 220-5579 (cell), (715) 755-2737 (shop) or larryjepsen@yahoo.com.
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A sketched plan for the St. Croix River Valley Veterans Memorial, from 2006. The group reviving the project is talking about changing the design to one that could include future veterans.
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