Local Funding for 9/11 Memorial Sought

A montage of patriotic drawings by local school students is currently on display as part of the Tri-State 9/11 Memorial Fund. The display is on view at Community State Bank on North Main Street in Lamar.  The memorial, which is now planned to be located at Big Timbers Museum, will honor first responders and military personnel, past and present.

The idea was conceived last year and the initial location had been planned for the intersection of Highway 287 and Savage Avenue in Lamar. However, a second location was recently approved by the Prowers County Commissioners and the site will now be on land south of Big Timbers Museum where Highway 96 and Highways 50/287 come together.  Doug Harbour, organizer of the 9/11 Memorial Tribute and Parade, said the location will offer better viewing opportunities for travelers passing through Lamar.

Grant funding will be needed for the project which includes four statues depicting first responders and branches of the military as well as law enforcement. Harbour added that the new site on museum property will allow added visits to both locations, especially field trips for area students who can learn about the events of September, 11, 2001, now almost fifteen years ago, as well as local history through the offerings at the museum.

Carla Scranton, from the Tribute Foundation Board, said donations for the project may be made at Community State Bank,, either through the drive-thru window or tellers inside. The board is also in the process of developing a GoFundMe account.  Five by two inch bronze plates that will be affixed to the wall at the rear of the memorial will be sold for $50 each and four engraved lines will display names, dates and other information regarding the donor’s hero.  There is no specific date set yet for a fall groundbreaking at the site.

By Russ Baldwin