Morton County War Dead Monument Committee

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At its December 12 meeting, the Morton County Commission approved the formation of a nine-member committee tasked with developing the final design, a fundraising strategy, and overseeing the construction and dedication of a new monument honoring the county's war dead:
  
*Commissioner Ray Morrell
 Commissioner Andy Zachmeier
*Stacey Bendish (Mandan/Fort Rice)
 Nicole Bickford Frohlich (Mandan/New Salem)
 Gary Goroski (Mandan)
 Larry McLellan (Mandan)
*Todd Porter (Mandan)
 Glenn Reed (Mandan)
 Scott Stevens (Mandan/Flasher)
 
* denotes members who have relatives honored on the existing monument
 
 
The first meeting of the Morton County War Dead Memorial Committee was held on January 6, 2025, with all appointed members present. The group discussed a high-level vision for the monument,
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including the potential reuse of existing elements and the overall size of the buildable area. To advance the project, three subcommittees were formed:

 

1. Historical Research
Members: Andy Zachmeier and Nicole Bickford-Frohlich
This subcommittee will compile and verify a roster of Morton County’s fallen service members using historical archives. The roster will include,

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at minimum:

  • Conflict (WWI and beyond)
  • Branch of service, rank at death
  • Full name
  • Place of record (city/township) at enlistment, commission, or draft

 

2. Criteria for Future Names
Members: Scott Stevens and Stacey Bendish
Their goal is to establish clear criteria for adding future fallen service members to the monument.

 

3. Fundraising
Members: Gary Goroski, Glenn Reed, and Todd Porter
This subcommittee will develop a strategy to fund the monument, focusing on minimizing public funding. They’ll also set a timeline and fundraising benchmarks to support construction.

 

As committee chair, Commissioner Morrell will assist each subcommittee as needed. Subcommittees will meet at their leisure.

 

The next committee meeting is scheduled for February 3 at 6:00 PM in the courthouse basement (County Commission Meeting Room).

 

Press Release - War Dead Monument Committee Established 12/12/2024