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THE LEGEND IN STONE

A.J. Lizotte

Minot

Enough time has expired for me to collect my thoughts as it pertains to the once in a lifetime event that took place on August 19 and 20  for a most deserving hometown hero and gentlemen in Mr. Dale Brown. I received a call prior to getting into my race car on Sunday night August 21 at Nodak Speedway.  It was Dale, and he told me I couldn’t be happy in what he was going to tell me. After what I think was a short pause, I reluctantly said ok. Dale proceeded to tell me that he has been to banquet/dinner events for awards from the NCAA 016 induction into the Hall of Fame in 2014 to the fanciest hotels like the Ritz Carlton and several SEC award banquets over the years. He also said he would like to tell me 10 things that went well this weekend. When he reached 10, he wasn’t done so I did not interrupt, and he continued. Dale could not come up with anything that went wrong. He finished with “A.J. I must tell you I cannot find one thing that went wrong and these two days top them all, the best I have ever attended.” Upon completion of the call, I still had his request to not be happy in mind and still do to this day. It is of my opinion Dale did not want me to be happy this was done for him. I think what Dale wanted was for me to only be happy that he was so thankful and proud this happened for him. I must tell you Dale is truly humbled and pleased for the recognition and I am proud to have led the charge in being a part of what I have named THE LEGEND IN STONE that is now a part of Ookie Hammond Park, Dale’s mentor and friend. At the dedication ceremony I was standing next to Dale as THE LEGEND IN STONE was unveiled. Upon seeing it Dale did not look at me he just looked straight ahead and said “A.J., do you know what you have just done?” and then the word “phenomenal.” You must know it is not what I had just done for it was a committee team effort and I thank them for their time and efforts. I received several handshakes and hugs over the next two hours and the word phenomenal was said several times. Hebron Brick employees should be proud of their work also in Gene Thurston, Ellie Dahl, Brian Cooksey, Charlie Spivey, Greg Williams, Zac Williams, Viny Gibson, and Rich Lahren. Bravo to a great job and I thank you.

While fishing one Sunday morning in June I received a call from Dale and he asked if I realized how much work this was coming to be. My answer was simple, that it is not work but a labor of love and to me that is not work. I want to thank everyone who supported this effort and not just from a financial stand point but all efforts by ALL it is so appreciated. My hope is that others will be inspired to recognize someone they think is deserving of the recognition. It doesn’t have to be a business, city,state,township,county,government, etc.. to bring recognition to someone who is deserving. I made the ask and THE LEGEND IN STONE became a reality and is now here for many years to come. It is my hope that Dale Brown admirer’s come to the beautiful city of Minot N.D., Dale’s hometown, and visit Hammond Park. While there play some hoops, have a picnic and take a look at THE LEGEND IN STONE.

In closing, efforts are still forging forward in raising of funds. If you or someone you know is interested in a tax deductible donation they may send payment to myself at  A.J. Lizotte 1624 13 ¢ Street S.W. Minot, N.D. 58701. Please make check payable to Minot Park District Foundation with Dale Brown Courts Dedication in the memo.

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