Vets To Break Ground On Monument In Hamilton

Vets To Break Ground On Monument In Hamilton

HAMILTON, Mont. -- The Vietnam Veterans of America will break ground on a new monument in Hamilton. It will honor all veterans, living or dead.

When completed, the monument will have room for 37-thousand names. It will be located at Hieronymous Park in Hamilton.

The centerpiece of the monument will rise near a clump of willow trees on the park's east side. Granite tiles will lead the way.

Ribboning both sides of the tile walkway will be granite walls with the names. Vietnam veteran Bill Beckman says, "they fought for this piece of ground in my eyes. This piece of ground," he says," is theirs."

The name of any veteran from any branch of service is welcome. Jerry Esmay was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

He plans to put his late brother's name on the wall. His brother served in World War II. He also will place his best friend's name there.

That friend flew with Jerry. He died three years ago of complications from Agent Orange.

The monument will cost more than $400-thousand. It's designed by an engineer from Missoula. Ron Milam is a Vietnam veteran.

Fundraising is underway. The vets hope to pay for the project with donations and grants. William Morrelle is a highly decorated World War II veteran.

He says, " it means a lot to me. I think war is the worst thing there is." But, he says, " I still am proud of all the guys that went."

The monument will overlook Blodgett Canyon in the Bitterroot Mountains west of Hamilton.