By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Earlier this year, the Barton County Commission approved a mowing services proposal for the Golden Belt and Hillcrest Memorial Parks from James Bingaman with Mow-N. Bingaman's work drew wide praise after it was on full display at the county's Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 9. Tuesday morning, the commission and County Works Director Chris Schartz recognized Bingaman for his work.
"I'd just like to say since that time, Mr. Bingaman has actively contributed to the beautification of the cemeteries," Schartz said. "He's come up with great ideas of what we can do out there. He checks frequently with me to make sure he's doing a good job."
Commission Chair Barb Esfeld thanked Bingaman for his dedication to the work. Bingaman thanked everyone for allowing him the opportunity to work at the memorial parks.
"I'm a veteran," he said, "and I know there are a ton of veterans who are buried out there. They deserve the utmost respect, and their tombstones need to be seen to people can read them and honor them."
The county's Memorial Parks Advisory Committee recently made it clear it will be enforcing a county resolution that allows for decorations outside of vases seven days before and after a holiday like Veterans Day. Bingaman said he understands the resolution but also respects those who honor family members.
"I've been to my dad's gravesite twice in the last, say seven years, in Colorado because I live here," he said. "When I do go there, I leave something and I hope it stays there but I understand if it doesn't. But that's a lost tradition in our world today: people going and remembering the lost."
Bingaman was presented with a certification of appreciation by the board of commissioners, Schartz, and County Administrator Matt Patzner.