News

Lansford's American Legion to hold dedication ceremony

By Scott Wagar

06/12/2012

The Lansford American Legion Post is planning a statue dedication ceremony next week and wishes to extend an invitation to the general public to attend their event.

"The Lansford Legion Post has installed a statue of a soldier in the Lansford Cemetery," said Fred Tyler, commander of the Lansford Post. "It is set for Wednesday, June 20, at 7 p.m."

The statue of the soldier originated last spring when Tyler was driving past the Mohall cemetery and notice the city had placed a statue of a soldier in its cemetery to honor its veterans. Seeing the statue gave Tyler an idea.

"In 2004, Art Baggenstoss remembered the Lansford Post in his will. We also received donations in memory of Les Tarvestad and John Nelson. With a portion of the funds we brought new legion jackets; and, after seeing the statue in the Mohall Cemetery we thought it would be fitting to use Art’s money to do the same," Tyler said. "So, I called Tom Gehringer of Mohall who put me touch with the company that manufactures the statue. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough in our checking account to proceed.

"However, about that time the Bottineau County Commissioners levied a one-mill levy to be used to honor county veterans. I approached them about getting Lansford’s share for this project and received $2,500. We then had sufficient funds to purchase crosses for both cemeteries and one statue," Tyler added.

With the crosses and statue delivered to Lansford, the Post contacted the 5th CES Equipment Squadron from the Minot Air Force Base about assisting the Post in preparing the sites. On May 5, the 5th CES Equipment Squadron came to Lansford and prepared the cemeteries. The MAFB’s squadron returned shortly after their first trip to Lansford and poured the concrete, which was donated by Farden Construction, and set the crosses, so Lansford’s cemeteries would be ready for Memorial Day.

With the completion of the statue, the Lansford veterans will now be holding its dedication ceremony of the soldier statue on June 20. The Bottineau County veterans, the Bottineau County Commissioners and its employees and the 5th CES Equipment Squadron have all been invited to the ceremony. The Lansford veterans also wish to invite anyone who wishes to be part of this observance to come and view the event.

Since Memorial Day, a number of financial donations have been given to the Lansford Post, which they have decided to use in purchasing another statue for the city’s Catholic cemetery. The statue is in the process of being delivered to Lansford and will be installed in the later part of June.

For those wishing to attend the dedication, the Lansford Cemetery is a half mile southwest of Lansford.