Bayfield VFW Post 143 is starting planning and fundraising to install a veterans' memorial at the Pine River Cemetery. The Post recently reached an agreement with the Pine River Cemetery District to do this, according to Post Commander Richard Schleeter.
"We are proud of Bayfield's only military service organization," he said. "We are small, we are few, but we are proud of all Pine River Valley veterans' service to our great nation and believe this project is the best way to honor all veterans past, present, and future generations to come."
Schleeter continued, "We are just getting started with this project, and since this will be a community project, we are asking for any ideas or concepts the Pine River Valley community would like to offer."
The memorial is still in the design stage, he said. The cost is estimated at around $25,000 to $30,000 based on research into other organizations that have constructed veterans' memorials in their cemeteries in the past few years.
"Any assistance you or your organization may be abble to provide would be greatly appreciated," he said. Schleeter also is the veterans service officer for La Plata County.
VFW Post 143 meetings are the second Tuesday each month at 6 p.m. at the Bayfield Lions Hall. "Anyone interested in helping out with our new project or just needs a little more information about this project is welcome to attend our meetings," Schleeter said. All veterans in the valley are invited to attend a meeting and check out Post 143. The Post was chartered in 1921.
