Chamber kickstarts fundraising for Clearwater Veterans Park

Six flags, recognizing each branch of the U.S. military, flank the American stars and stripes on the eastern edge of Clearwater's newest addition, Veterans Park.

A cement walkway is poured and will feature a granite monument with names of area heroes who took a piece of Clearwater to the war zone and, in some instances, made the selfless sacrifice.

A mural featuring a solider covers the south wall of the Clearwater Public Library, establishing a backdrop for the area.

Eventually, a statue of a bronze soldier, kneeling, will become part of the parkscape and benches will added for those wishing to stop for reflection.The park is the brainchild of a group of Clearwater citizens. An area contractor designed the layout, with input from members of the local American Legion and Auxiliary.

Fundraising is currently underway and received a kickstart from the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, when the organization donated $50,000.

Chamber president Curt Thiele said the idea of adding a veterans' memorial shows "a feeling of kindness and a feeling of a town that cares."

"Our chamber would like to be able to recognize the fight our veterans went through," Thiele said.

He challenged Clearwater Public School graduates to join in the fundraising efforts.

"We all have a special veteran or two who we know and when we see them, you just nod your head and say 'thanks' under your breath," Thiele said.

Park committee officials said pieces will be added to the park as funds are available. The benches were expected to arrive this month.

Families of veterans will also be contacted about the memorial.

"We are going to need a contact person for the deceased or living Legion veterans so we can get a correct spelling of the name for the stones," committee members said.

Donations will continue to be accepted and may be sent to the Veterans Park account at Cornerstone Bank, 604 Main St., Clearwater, NE 68726.