The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce invites the community to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Vietnam Memorial on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend, Kansas. This special event, held on Veterans Day, honors the courage and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and is open to the public.
Event Schedule
The dedication ceremony will follow this schedule:
· 11:00 - 11:30 AM: Avenue of Flags – with Brandon Kulgen
· 11:30 AM - Noon: Vietnam Memorial Dedication – with Larry Parsons
The ceremony will feature special guest U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall.
About the Memorial
Designed and crafted by Bruce Bitter of B&B Metal Arts, the new Vietnam Memorial features a 50-foot stainless steel wall adorned with military insignias, a tribute to POWs, and a scaled Huey helicopter replica. The memorial also honors medics and all service members who contributed to the Vietnam War. This addition complements existing memorials in the park dedicated to World War I and World War II veterans.
Background and Funding
The vision for this memorial was set in motion by a dedicated committee of local Vietnam veterans in December 2023. With a budget of approximately $115,000, the project has been a significant community effort. While most funds have been secured, donations are still needed for additional features such as a bench, fencing, and landscaping enhancements. Contributions to support the project may be sent to the Great Bend Foundation at PO Box 533, Great Bend, KS, 67530.Artist Bruce Bitter shared that the memorial serves as both a tribute and an opportunity to preserve the stories of Vietnam veterans for future generations. “This project honors those who served and reminds us of their courage and dedication,” Bitter remarked.