For decades, soldiers from San Juan County dedicated their time and often their lives to the cause of freedom. From WWI to more current conflicts, hundreds of local soldiers have served in order that the freedoms we cherish are preserved. American Legion Post #97 Commander Tony Wojcik and Andy Mikesell Adjunct are currently working to build a permanent veterans outdoor memorial near the visitors center on Center Street. This will honor veterans who have served in all branches of the military. Families of soldiers past and present and county residents are asked to join in this effort.
Even though an archival tribute to veterans is located on the north side of the Visitors Center, it is locked because of vandalism in the past and can only be accessed by visitor center staff. It contains details such as: family connection, birth and deaths of older generations of soldiers. However, the American Legion determined to build a memorial so that people can participate more directly, as well as reminding visitors of all who have served.
The local American Legion Post #97 was started after WWII vets returned in 1948. Blanding always celebrated with farewell socials when soldiers left and returned. The history of many of these soldiers and their letters home are included in issue 20 of Blue Mountain Shadows.
A series of fortunate events prepared the way for this current project. Many will remember the old rodeo grounds northeast of Blanding. It included 40 acres of land, a rodeo arena as well as a racetrack. When Monticello built a better rodeo and fairgrounds, the Blanding rodeo property was abandoned and any materials left were either stolen or damaged. After 50 years the acreage was officially turned over by the BLM to the American Legion Post #97. After much deliberation it was decided to sell the land to Sondregger Construction who wanted to purchase it for gravel production. That sale provided the needed funding for the Veterans Memorial Project.
The vision for the project came about after Wojcik started brainstorming to find a way to honor all branches of the military. He presented his ideas to the Blanding City Council who were supportive of the project and impressed by the amount of money available that could be used for it. The city agreed to provide the land, pay for the relocation of electricity and water and landscaping, as well as some financial assistance as needed. After meeting with the City Council, it was decided to put it near the Visitors Center.
Allison Ipson put together the artist’s concept for the memorial which will include six 8 ft. pillars with 10-inch bronze plaques with each military branch’s service motto on both sides. These will represent the Army, Navy, Marines, Airforce, Coast Guard and Space Force. In the center of the pillars will be a large kiva with a ladder and openings east and west with a large flagpole coming out of the center of the kiva. It will include the 4 traditional colors of the Navajo tribe: black= north, blue= south, yellow= west and white= east. The wall around the memorial will be 18 inches high with stone veneer.
When visitors arrive, they will first see a metal plaque: “What is a Veteran? Veterans are people who at one point in their lives wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of up to and including their life. That is honor.”
The Gold Star Wall in the memorial will honor 29 individuals who lost their lives in battle (KIA). Their names will be etched into black polished granite. The memorial also includes the clock put in by Harold Lyman, a Korean War veteran.
Local families can purchase a paver to honor those in their family who have served in the military, but anyone can purchase pavers to be engraved at a cost of $360 (which is tax deductible as this is a nonprofit project.) Dedication of the memorial will be (hopefully) on Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2025. Contact Tony Wojcik at 435-459-2249 for more information. To order a paver, go to the city of Blanding web site, scroll down main page to Veterans Memorial, click on link to order and follow the instructions.
The construction team includes: Jones and DeMille Engineers, Javen Ivins, Allison Ipson, (concept rendering) and Taylor Made Wooden Heritage. The project will use local artisans and companies. Lights will be provided by Northern Electric and will be on from dusk to dawn to illuminate the memorial.
