KEITH LIPPOLDT Great Bend Tribune

Coming in for the landing

Due to the overwhelming response of 13,000 visitors to the “Wall That Heals” display at Veterans Park in May of 2023, a “loose-knit” committee consisting of Barton County Vietnam veterans Larry Parsons, Don Green, Gary Burke, Ken Lebbin, Mike Harbaugh and Ghazi Jahay brainstormed to develop a memorial to the Vietnam Veterans. Next came a meeting with Bruce and Brent Bitter, owners of B&B Metal Arts in Hoisington, who, with extensive military history, designed and developed the prototype that is now on display on the north side of Veteran’s Park. Scott Christians Construction was selected as the primary contractor and is responsible for the concrete work and setting the helicopter in its place. The memorial honors all branches of the military that served in this war as well as the POWs, troops, medics and other soldiers. It has a scaled-down version of a Huey Helicopter - 12 feet long and 250 pounds - created from stainless steel sheets - mounted on a pedestal, giving the appearance of coming in for a landing. The memorial, with a cost of $120,000, has been paid for by business and personal donations. No tax money was used on this project. The committee says they are still short of totally funding the project and additional donations are being accepted. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11 at 11:30 a.m. following the Avenue of Flags ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m. State Senator Roger Marshall is scheduled to be present at the ceremony.