Let’s take a moment and review what six Barton County Vietnam Veterans were able to get done in a little over one year - from the initial dream, to the final results.

I’m sure by now you’ve heard the story of how the Barton County Vietnam Memorial has come to fruition. And this was no small project. 

In May of 2023, Great Bend hosted more than 13,000 visitors throughout the weekend to view “The Wall That Heals,” a traveling version of the Vietnam Wall. Seeing the response, a group of six veterans formed what they like to refer to as a “loose-knit” committee, putting their collective heads together to create a memorial for those that served in the war - not just from Barton County - but ALL who served.

The group consisted of Larry Parsons, Don Green, Gary Burke, Ken Lebbin, Mike Harbaugh and Ghazi Jahay. Together they brainstormed what it was they were hoping it would become, and how they were going to pay for it. Their goal was to raise the funds by private donations without costing taxpayers a dime.

Once they came up with an initial idea, they contacted Bruce and Brent Bitter, owners of B&B Metal Arts in Hoisington. The Bitters have an extensive military history background and their wheels started turning.

After the committee decided on the design and were given cost numbers to complete the project, they approached the City about placing it in Veterans Park. Once given the green light by the City, the committee went to work raising over $120,000 to make this happen.

I became a supporter of the project after the first phone call I received from Gary Burke asking me to come take a picture of the groundbreaking early last October. Not knowing what they had in mind, I went to the park and met Burke and Larry Parsons. They were so excited to see dirt being moved - knowing that the project was definitely going to happen. I could feel their excitement as they laid out the plans for me.

What they told me - and what became reality - didn’t match in my brain. There was going to be a metal wall made from stainless steel with military logos and some inscriptions. The Bitters were also going to build a replica Huey helicopter that would appear to be flying in over the wall. I couldn’t grasp it. I also couldn’t fathom the cost of $120,000.

Each time there was something new to report they would call me and make sure I was there to cover it. I became more and more attached with each milestone and couldn’t wait for the next monumental moment.

I’m not going to lie, it was less than a week before the ribbon-cutting was scheduled for Veterans Day and the Memorial wasn’t ready for the dignitaries and guests they were expecting.

On the Thursday before Veterans Day, the 12 foot, 250 pound stainless steel Huey landed on its pedestal, and it all came to life. What a great idea. What a great vision. What a great name - “Lurking in the Elephant Grass.” What great execution of a plan developed by this “loose-knit” group of local Vietnam veterans and and master metal workers.

Since that time, sod and irrigation have been placed and benches, the last piece of the project, will be placed soon.

This is a great calling card for the City of Great Bend. This piece will undoubtedly draw visitors from across the country. It will bring veterans who fought in Vietnam. It will bring families of those soldiers. It will bring people like me who can appreciate the dedication these men had to see this project through.

I spoke with Parsons last week as Pro-Green was finishing the sod work. He told me the project did, indeed, pay for itself. The response from businesses, families and individuals was amazing and they were able to cover all costs. How often does that happen?

It’s amazing to me the details of the memorial. From the pilot inside the helicopter to the soldier kneeling behind the Elephant grass, it is a masterpiece in metal.

Pictures do not do it justice. Take a few minutes and go view this vision come true. You will leave amazed.

Kudos to the group of Parsons, Green, Burke, Jahay, Harbaugh and Lebbin. Kudos to everyone that contributed to the cause.

You talk about seeing something through to completion. Congratulations, and thank you!

 - Keith Lippoldt