News: Medford - Flag Field Expansion (4 Dec 2014)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Emmerich, Wilson

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 12/04/2014

By news editor, Brian Wilson

A project designed to recognize the service of area veterans is expanding.

Crews from Huotari Construction beat the snowfall to install two new wings to the Veterans Memorial Wall at the Flag Field in the Medford city park.

The memorial displays flags from each branch of the US Military flags from each branch of the US Military with the wall displaying names and information of area veterans. The ongoing project has been led by Roger Emmerich of Landua Jensen American Legion Post No. 147.

According to Emmerich, when the wall was first built in 2007, they thought it would take many years to fill, but this year the wall filled up with others wanting to purchase legacy stones for their loved ones. The post decided to expand the existing walls and hired Huotari Construction to do the work. Houtari’s crew built the original wall and still had a stockpile of the bricks used in the project so the addition blends into the existing wall.

One major change from the original project is the granite legacy stones will all be place in the wall next spring rather than added as they are purchased. Emmerich said the engraver is able to bring his equipment onsite to carve the names of those being recognized.

While this gives a finished look to the memorial, it presented a challenge for the post with having to purchase the granite all at once. The t6otal estimated cost for the expansion project is $31,681. Sale of the legacy stones on the memorial wall go to the upkeep and replacement of the flag flown 24-hours a day at the flag field.

Emmerich is making a community appeal to help cover the cost of the project and to encourage people to purchase legacy stones to honor those who served in the military.