Dedication of Veterans Monument, Mason City, Nov. 11, 2004

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 5/24/2011 at 13:48:12

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
by Dick Johnson

Memorial dedicated today to honor area veterans
MASON CITY — Gerald WILKE is as wiry at age 79 as he was when he ran with his "gang" of friends as a boy in Mason City's Midland Heights area.

But WILKE, who weighed less than 120 pounds when he entered the Navy at 17, speaks with authority regarding the Mason City Area Veterans Monument.

His name and that of his son, Kevin, and father-in-law, Frank McCAHEM, are engraved on one of 10 impressive black granite stones in Central Park.

The monument, honoring veterans with Mason City connections, will be dedicated this morning during Mason City's annual Veterans Day ceremonies. It includes 2,338 names.

"I'm so proud of it," said WILKE, a Navy gunner's mate aboard the USS Iowa during World War II. "It's a memento for all veterans. It's one wonderful piece-of-art work."

"It's a great thing," said Doug WAYCHUS, a co-chairman of the Veterans Monument Task Force Committee. "You talk to a lot of the veterans — they've wanted something like this in their hometowns for years and years."

The Task Force Committee began meeting weekly more than a year ago. Mason City's Park Board approved construction of the monument in Central Park in February.

When the City Council voted in June not to approve a final agreement, WAYCHUS expressed his anger at the process. After discussion, approval was granted a week later.

Ground was broken on Aug. 19.

WAYCHUS said the monument was built to raise public awareness of veterans who have served, inspire young people, and help "erase some of the generation gap" between Vietnam-era veterans and those who served in World War II and Korea.

"It's an honor for a Vietnam veteran like me to be able to show them that we're good veterans," he said. "I think it's given them another look at us: 'By God, we can get things done.' But it's a tribute to all veterans."

The monument was designed by Bergland and Cram Architects of Mason City. Larry ELWOOD Construction was the general contractor. BLAZEK Electric and BITKER'S Tree Service also were contracted.

It was paid for by $100 donations from veterans and their families and friends in 34 states. The names of about 300 veterans killed in action were included at no charge.

There are 12 granite stones (including two "dedication" stones), five white granite benches engraved with the five service emblems, and American and POW/MIA flags.

The stones were provided by Braham Monument Co. of Braham, Minn. They are engraved with the veterans' names and service branches, plus patriotic quotes and reflections.

"I'm just awed," WAYCHUS said. "I'm humbled to be in a position to be a part of something that we did for them. When one of those guys comes up and pats me on the back and says, 'That's beautiful, Doug,' it don't get no better than that."

Veteran's Monument Dedication schedule
Thursday, Nov. 11

10:15 a.m. ~ Music by Mason City High School band.

10:30 a.m. ~ National anthem by the MCHS band.

* Welcome by Jim Kantaris

* Invocation by Chaplin Lt. Col. Bill HAMPTON, U.S. Air Force (retired)

* Mayor's proclamation

* Solo by Newman Catholic singers

* Wreath-laying by Tony PATTAS and Dr. Adel MAKAR of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Lodge

* Guest speaker, Col. Michael KANTARIS, U.S. Marine Corps (retired)

11 a.m. ~ Jim KANTARIS asks the crowd to please face east

* Rifle squad volleys

* Taps (Boy Scouts)

* Solo by Newman Catholic Knightsingers

* Dedication ceremony

* Introduction of Veterans Monument Task Force Committee and architects

* Thank-you to sponsors

* Unveiling of monument

* Ribbon-cutting (with music by the MCHS band)

* Retiring of the old flag over Central Park by the Boy Scouts, and presentation of the flag to Mayor Jean MARINOS

* Flag-raising over the monument by the Boy Scouts (with a performance by the Newman Catholic choir)

* Decree "gifting" the monument to the City of Mason City

* Benediction by Chaplin HAMPTON

* Monuments open for public viewing (closing by the MCHS band)

* "Fly-over" provided by the 132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard

Adding a name

There is room for 2,100 more names on the Mason City Area Veterans Monument.

For more information, call Doug WAYCHUS, co-chairman of the Veterans Monument Task Force Committee, during the day at (641) 422-7880, and evenings at 423-3229, or send him e-mail at waychusd @trinity-health.org.

Applications are available at the Cerro Gordo County Veterans Affairs office (in the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse), City Hall, and VFW Post 733, 1603 S. Monroe Ave.

See webpage link for list of Veteran Names on Monument.

Transcription & compilation by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2011

Dedication of Veterans Monument, Mason City, Nov. 11, 2004
 

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