Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Veterans Park enters Phase Two, monuments to be added next
Inspiration • (l-r): Ralph and Barb Tichota receive are recognized by Steve Stearns for the couple's vision for the Clearwater Veterans Park.
Dennis Mather (r) receives a certificate for 50 continuous years of American Legion membership from county veterans service officer Tom Nelson.
Nelson presents a 50-year membership award, posthumously, to Joe Thiele and the Thiele family, in honor of Louis Thiele.
For 63 continuous years, George Klabenes has been a Legion member in Clearwater. He is recognized by Tom Nelson, county veterans service officer.
Greatest generation • At Saturday's veterans park fundraiser, Carroll Holz, was recognized for serving in World War II. Holz, 99, is a member of Clearwater American Legion Post and resides in Bellevue.
Longtime American Legion and Auxiliary members Ralph and Barb Tichota, of Clearwater, were recognized Saturday, for providing the inspiration and dedication to bring the Veterans Park to life in Clearwater.
"It will have a lasting and significant impact," said Steve Stearns, Veterans Park committee member, during the presentation. "Your legacy will live on through this beautiful park and your work in creating a place of reflection and remembrance has touched all of our hearts."
The park, located at the intersection of Nebraska and Main streets, is the first Veterans Park in Antelope County.
Phase one of the park is completed.
"Phase two starts now," Stearns said.
It will include two monuments, placed on the sides of the granite stone with the service branches. Names of veterans will be etched on the monuments. According to Stearns, each will hold between 110 and 115 names per side.
The stone monuments will run $25,000 and another $25,000 will be necessary to cover engraving costs.
"We need a little bit of help yet," Stearns said. "It truly takes a village to do something like this and I'm proud to be from Clearwater."
Three Clearwater American Legion members were honored for continuous years of membership. Dennis Mather, of Black Hawk, South Dakota and the family of the late Louis Thiele, of Clearwater, received membership certificates from Antelope County Veterans Service Officer Tom Nelson.
George Klabenes, of Clearwater, was given a certificate for 63 continuous years of membership.
Carroll Holz, of Bellevue, served in World War II. The 99-year-old, who previously lived in Neligh, attended the event. Nelson recognized Holz as a member of the Clearwater American Legion.
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