By Brad Smith, Commander, American Legion Fort Owen Post 94
As most readers have probably noticed, the Tribute Wall previously located in the Veterans Park adjacent to the Main Street Association building in Stevensville was removed some time ago and has not been reinstalled. The removal was motivated by the tree removal work and installation of the new information kiosk.
At the time of removal, the American Legion Post 94 members were planning on using this opportunity to undertake some much-needed repair and renovation work on the panels and attachments. Many of the name strips were needing replacement due to the weather effects and the panels needed to be repainted. However, the costs associated with this renovation have caused the Post members to re-evaluate this early planning.
The Tribute Wall was erected in the 2002-03 timeframe to honor those local citizens who were and would be serving our nation on active military duty in the “War on Terror” which resulted from the attack on our nation on September 11, 2001. Over the years since, eligibility for the placements of names expanded to allow for the placement of names of active duty personnel from outside the local area, thus greatly expanding the size of the monument.
The Post 94 members have recognized that the “War on Terror” has now become our nation’s longest war with no end in sight and general citizen patriotism is greatly diminished from when the wall was originally erected. The question of what happens to the wall if the war ever ends has also been raised.
The above reasons/concerns have led the Post 94 members to propose a major refocus of the Veterans Park to be that of a Memorial to honor those Stevensville citizens who have served on active military duty during the “War on Terror.” Exactly what the memorial will look like when finished remains under study. Current plans call for community input through briefings to the Town Council, Civic Club, and Main Street Association, followed by the solicitation of ideas from the community at large. A design contest is also being considered.