Submitted Photo
This is a replica sculpture of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird that Hazen native retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Eldon Joersz flew 50 years ago on July 28, 1976, when Joersz, pilot, and the late George Morgan, reconnaissance systems operator, flew 2,193 mph, setting the world's absolute speed record for air-powered aircraft. The record still stands today. The sculpture was dedicated Friday, Oct. 23, with Joersz, of McKinney, Texas, attending. The sculpture is located in a parklet along N.D. Highway 200 in Hazen. Joersz is a former vice commander of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base. The sculpture project was overseen by the Hazen Convention Visitors Bureau, Chamber and Community Development.
