November 11th is a day in which Americans will commemorate the brave men and women who have protected the freedoms of this country and in Spearfish. The Veterans Monument is a physical gesture of appreciation for all of those who have served or are serving in the military, specifically those from the Spearfish Community.
In 2010, a man by the name of Ben Jones stressed the importance and need of having a Veterans Monument. After talking to the American Legion Post 164 and Queen City VFW, Jones formed a joint committee. This committee solicited input from city planners, other veterans, construction/architectural professionals, and then soon designed a living monument to honor all the men and women who have lived in Spearfish for at least one year and have completed their term of service or have been honorably discharged. After years of envisioning this idea, and the hours of hard work—the first wall of the monument was unveiled on December 6th, 2015. Shortly after, Doug Henwood, director of the Spearfish Veterans Monument board, took over the Spearfish Veterans Monument project. Henwood notes that the monument is not in alphabetical order on purpose. When those looking for a name at the monument, they really look and see who in Spearfish has served.
The monument was created to honor those that have served, continue to serve and volunteer in the Spearfish community. To continue the tribute to these men and women of Spearfish, the following events will take place this year on Veterans Day:
- At 8 am on November 11th, the Spearfish Middle School will be hosting an event honoring military personnel. The student choir and band provide patriotic music and the Black Hills Chapter of the American Legion Riders will present the retired colors.
- At 1 pm, Orion & Stacy Potter will be joined on stage by the Davis Sisters who will put on USO style show at the High Plains Western Heritage Center. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door. All the proceeds will go to benefit the Spearfish Veteran’s Monument.
- At 5 pm there will be a Veterans Day Dinner at the VFW Post 5860. This banquet is open to all those who have served and their families.
The Spearfish Veterans Monument is built solely on fundraisers and donations. Any help is greatly appreciated.
