A year's work by American Legion Post 283 in Deer Creek received some heavy reinforcements Saturday morning in the eastern Otter Tail County community.
Three polished granite monuments were unpacked, hoisted and installed on a cement podium in the center of Veteran's Memorial Park.
Servicemen and women of the Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Air Force are honored for their contributions to the country by the inscriptions and logos on the monuments.
One of the American Legion members looking on was Dean Eckhoff, presently serving as adjutant of Post 283. Eckhoff is one of the post's 75 members who has helped in creating the memorial to members of the military, both past, and present. Eckhoff served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972. His overseas tour of duty took him to the Mediterranean Sea. While his own tour was exciting and adventuresome, he was well aware that half a world away American servicemen were fighting in the air, on the land and on the sea in a place called Vietnam.
When Post 283 began to stock their park in Deer Creek they found many pockets were deep and many hearts were giving. Donations for the park, from individuals, businesses and service organizations, presently amount to $17,000 but Eckhoff pointed out the park is still a work in progress.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rows of paving stones, each donated by and for those who have served, flank the cement walk to the main plaza and families can purchase more for $150 apiece. A gigantic bell, once used on the railroad line that ran through Deer Creek, marks the contributions of the veterans of World War I. Another piece of military history is being contemplated.
"We're building this for 100 years," Eckhoff said.
The three monuments had a combined weight of more than a ton. The work was carried out slowly and carefully by Erickson Crane Service and Dent Monument.
A dedication of the park will be held at some future date.
