Montrose Veterans Memorial Update
We've been busy out here in Western Colorado these last few years. We've organized a 501(c)(3) for the Montrose (Colorado) Veterans Memorial Coalition (MVMC), whose purpose is to design and build the Montrose Veterans Memorial here in town.
The coalition consists of veterans service organizations from the local VFW, American Legion and Legion Riders, DAV, and the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans.
The Memorial is not only for Vietnam, but also includes World War I, World War II, Korea, Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror (GWOT).
The MVMC has entered into an agreement with the City of Montrose, Colorado and Montrose County as partners for the design and construction of this Memorial. At the moment, we're in the process of raising money for construction. Our plan set is roughly 90% complete, and the approval and construction process is moving forward.
Memorial Features
- A concrete entrance plaza with six polished black granite panels, each representing a specific U.S.-involved war or conflict. One side of these two-sided panels will have laser-etched action images; the other side will feature a detailed theater map of its specific action. This entrance plaza will also include etched donor or "Patriot" bricks along the north edge near a stone masonry entry arch.
- An etched granite entrance dedication monument stone located within the entrance plaza.
- A sculpted bronze eagle mounted on a Cor-ten steel plinth.
- A pentagon-shaped concrete plaza with a flag pole in the center, surrounded by rows of etched bricks with the names of military service members ("Veteran" bricks). Six of these bricks have already been purchased by or for Vietnam veterans of the 129th Assault Helicopter Company.
- A Navy ship's bell from the USS Montrose, mounted on a Cor-ten steel plinth.
- A display-quality Bell UH-1H helicopter, tail number 68-15362, mounted on a steel and concrete pedestal and placed at the south end of the memorial. The San Juan Mountains will provide the backdrop.
- Concrete surfaced areas designated for future displays.
- Landscaping and parking areas.
The 129th Connection
The Bell UH-1H helicopter (tail number 68-15362) was originally purchased by the U.S. Army in February 1969 and flew its first duty tour for 1,107 combat hours with the 129th Assault Helicopter Company.
Its service dates with the 129th were March 1969 through January 1970.
Current Progress
Of these memorial features, the MVMC currently either outright owns or has placed funds or work down on:
- The UH-1H Huey helicopter
- Granite panels
- The bronze eagle
- The flag pole
- The Navy ship's bell
How to Support the Memorial
Standard-sized "Veteran" or "Patriot" bricks are available for $125 each. Larger bricks and granite benches are also available at additional giving levels.
If you are interested in purchasing a brick or learning more about available options, please reach out and we can connect you with a member of the MVMC team.
Information page: montroseveterans.us
Donation website: www.montrosevmc.org
Montrose Veterans Memorial Project – Colorado
We’ve been busy out here in Western Colorado these last few years. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has been formed known as the Montrose Veterans Memorial Coalition (MVMC). Its purpose is to design and build the Montrose Veterans Memorial in Montrose, Colorado.
The coalition consists of veterans service organizations from the local VFW, American Legion and Legion Riders, DAV, and the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans.
The memorial will honor veterans from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror. MVMC has entered into an agreement with the City of Montrose and Montrose County as partners in the design and construction of this memorial.
Planned Memorial Features
Overview Site Plan Layout
- A concrete entrance plaza with six polished black granite panels, each representing a specific U.S.-involved war or conflict. One side will feature laser-etched action images, and the other side will display a detailed theater map.
- Etched donor or "Patriot" bricks lining the entrance plaza near a stone masonry arch.
- An etched granite entrance dedication monument stone.
- A sculpted bronze eagle mounted on a Cor-ten steel plinth.
- A pentagon-shaped concrete plaza with a central flag pole, surrounded by rows of engraved "Veteran" bricks. Six bricks have already been purchased by or for Vietnam veterans of the 129th Assault Helicopter Company.
- A Navy ship's bell from the USS Montrose mounted on a Cor-ten steel plinth.
- A display-quality Bell UH-1H helicopter (tail number 68-15362), mounted on a steel and concrete pedestal on the south end of the memorial, with the San Juan Mountains as the backdrop.
The 129th Connection
The Bell UH-1H helicopter (tail number 68-15362) was originally purchased by the U.S. Army in February 1969 and flew its first duty tour for 1,107 combat hours with the 129th Assault Helicopter Company from March 1969 through January 1970.
Conceptual Memorial Rendering
Current Progress
The MVMC currently owns or has placed funds toward the helicopter, granite panels, bronze eagle, flag pole, and ship’s bell. The construction plan set is approximately 90% complete, and fundraising for final construction is ongoing.
How You Can Support the Memorial
Standard-sized "Veteran" or "Patriot" bricks are available for $125 each. Larger bricks and granite benches are also available at additional giving levels.
For more information:
montroseveterans.us
www.montrosevmc.org