After years of listening to people talk about erecting a veteran’s monument in Becker, Roger Bigalke decided to take it upon himself to actually get it done.

 

Looking for others that would be interested, he enlisted Mike McDowall, Al Scherping and Keean Raygor to help get the project off the ground; Nellie Simpson, Anita Trisco and Anita Erickson also joined the committee.

 

“We’ve got a good group with a variety of backgrounds that will be helpful as we move forward with this project,” said Bigalke, the only veteran in the group. “Men, women, a business owner, finance officer, engineer and secretary.” 

 

After presenting “The Becker and Becker Twp. Veteran’s Monument” to both the city and township, the group received approval and was promised support from both entities.

 

One of the first steps was determining a location for the monument. Although the city originally asked the group to look at some of the city parks, outside the front of city hall was ultimately determined to be the right place.

 

Ideas for the monument’s design were brainstormed among the committee members.

 

“We wanted it simple and straightforward,” said Bigalke. “And we wanted to show appreciation to all vets, past, present and future.”

 

The group’s initial idea was to include actual flags of each of the five branches of the military on the monument, however, after discussing concerns about upkeep and vandalism, it was decided to instead incorporate the seal of each branch into the design. The American, Minnesota and POW flags will be flown behind the monument.

 

With the design and location finalized, the committee is now looking at ways to fund the project. So far, they have received $500 from the Becker American Legion and $750 from The Becker Burger Fund group.

 

The committee needs to raise around $6,500, the estimated cost of the granite monument. 

 

Ruck Excavating has agreed to donate all the dirt work for the project, Kurt’s Concrete has agreed to donate all the cement work, and Minnesota Limited will be donating and installing the three flagpoles. 

 

The committee meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month in the old council chamber at city hall. The meetings are open; anyone interested is invited to attend. Members are also looking for fundraising ideas; all money raised and donated will go directly towards the cost of the monument.

 

“Our goal is to unveil the monument during Freedom Days in 2020, which is the 100th Anniversary of the Becker American Legion,” said Bigalke.

 

People interested or with questions are encouraged to call him at 763-261-4190.