BISMARCK Construction began Monday on a memorial to fallen soldiers.
The North Dakota Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism received sufficient donations to cover building costs and start the construction.
The memorial is a joint venture between the City of Bismarck and the North Dakota National Guard, and being built outside the Guard's main entrance at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck.
Article Photos
Submitted Artwork --
These are an artist’s rendering, courtesy of Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, of the Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism.
The memorial will be open to the public and offer a place for families, friends and the community to reflect on the lives of the fallen heroes.
"The fallen soldiers memorial provides a very important and long lasting tribute to those North Dakotans that have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy the freedoms we all cherish," said Mayor John Warford.
The memorial is dedicated to the North Dakota service members who sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom from terror following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on this nation.
"We are extremely appreciative to all of the citizens and businesses that have contributed to this great endeavor to honor our fallen heroes," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, adjutant general for the N.D. National Guard. "The community members who kindly donated at the 4th of July celebration at the state Capitol helped put us just over our fundraising goal of $50,000. We appreciate the efforts of the Bismarck Mandan Symphony in leading this effort."
Although no formal ceremony is planned for the beginning of construction, a dedication ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 11, the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States that killed more than 3,000 Americans.
The memorial is funded by private donations through the N.D. National Guard Foundation which is a nonprofit organization. The estimated cost of construction, about $50,000, has been donated or pledged. All future donations will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of the memorial.