A long-held dream of former Hastings Mayor Frank Campbell came true Monday with the dedication ceremony of a monument to all veterans, the Veterans Plaza
American Legion Post 45 Adjunct Jim Atkinson conducted the ceremony during the Memorial Day Parade when the monument was presented to the people with the City of Hastings committing to the upkeep of its newest attraction.
Campbell and his good friend, Mayor Bob May, both wanted a monument for all veterans, and agreed in 2010 to, “go for it.” They had a concept drawing and started to solicit funds, but as May’s health worsened over the next few years, work on the project stalled.
Campbell admitted he “half gave up” on the monument when May died, but he was appointed to replace May as mayor and soon continued work on their dream, saying many times he wanted to see it done before he retired in 2016.
Working all four years he was mayor, Campbell pushed, prodded and encouraged the monument, keeping the project moving forward for the enhancements to the Civil War monument that sits at the entrance of Tyden Park.
In his remarks Monday, Campbell said in 2016, he thought the monument to veterans was, “needed now more than ever, with the situation of the world today.” With a short pause to control his emotions, he said to applause: “Now, we’ve got it.” Campbell said “many, many, good people” contributed time, work and money, and with three anonymous donors giving, “substantial amounts” he has enough to cover the city’s cash outlay for the plaza.
“We have $42,000 in the bank; when the city has the final totals, we will hand over the check,” he said. “We will pay it back; it is all private money.”
May’s widow Deb thanked those who helped build the monument, “from the bottom of my heart.”
Mayor David Tossava said the City of Hastings, “is proud to maintain the monument. This gives a sense of pride to the whole community. Everyone has a friend or family in the service. This is for you, to sit and reflect, relax and remember.”
Atkinson listed a dozen people and organizations that worked on the project, stressing that there were many, many more who had a part in the finished tribute. It now includes five smaller monuments to veterans moved from the Barry County Courthouse lawn circling the Civil War monument, flags for POW/MIA and each military service, lighting, decorative fencing and seating.
“These monuments now have a permanent home,” Atkinson said, inviting everyone, veteran or citizen to, “come to a place that is revered in all veteran’s minds.”
NOTE: Computer problems prevented uploading any photos from the dedication and the Memorial Day Parade.
