Seventy-five years ago, construction of the Veterans Memorial Building on Lakin’s Main Street was well underway, but it had been a project years in the making. By January of 1946, around $18,000 had been donated and another $16,400 pledged for the construction of an all-purpose building that would honor the valorous achievements of the citizens of Kearny County who served our country as soldiers, sailors, marines and Red Cross nurses. That money had been secured through an all-out effort by a building committee composed of Pat Halloran, Bernard Nash, Wayne Clarkson, Ralph Stees and Ralph Hutton, but the amount fell short of what would be needed to complete the project. In addition, many residents had expressed that they felt the project should be funded through taxation rather than donation.
At a special meeting called on January 11, 1946, the American Legion passed a motion to ask citizens by way of a petition if they were in favor of erecting and maintaining a memorial building through taxes. The response was favorable, and at the August primary, a bond issue for $50,000 was resoundingly approved by a vote of 485 to 105. Monies that had been previously donated were returned to the respective donors. Three lots were purchased from Mary Thornbrough, but it was July of 1949 before commissioners approved architectural plans for the building. D.C. Bass & Son Co. of Oklahoma City was awarded the building contract that August.
The building was in use by mid-April of 1950, and an elaborate celebration was planned to dedicate the Kearny County Veterans Memorial Building and the new Lakin Grade School the following month. An estimated 1,600 persons attended the ceremonies on May 8, 1950. The day’s activities opened with a parade that included veteran groups, the Kearny County Saddle Club and the Lakin High School band as well as bands from Garden City and Holcomb. Following the parade, the bands assembled in front of the Memorial Building where together they played the “Star Spangled Banner” following a moment of silence in honor of Kearny County’s war dead. The flag was hoisted as a bugler sounded, “To the Colors.”
Rev. Marvin Brown of Garden City, state chaplain for the American Legion, gave the invocation, and the dedication was made by Wayne Muncy of Dodge City, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. A free barbecue dinner was served by the American Legion, VFW, and VFW auxiliary.
Following the meal and inspection of both buildings, the crowd assembled at the grade school where musical numbers were provided by the grade school’s band and the Lakin Barbershop Quartet. Bernard Nash served as the master of ceremonies, and Col. Ernest White introduced Harry Colmery, former national commander of the American Legion and candidate for U.S. senator, who gave the main dedication address. To complete the festivities, a dance was held that evening at the Rainbow King featuring square-dancing, modern, and old-time music provided by Tait’s Orchestra of Colorado Springs.
Today, just as then, Kearny County appreciates, respects and admires those who have served our country. Veteran’s Day is November 11. If you see a veteran, please be sure to let him or her know how much you appreciate their service.
