about us
In 1987, Dave Logosz, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War and a recipient of four Purple Hearts, visited the National Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. This was a very emotional event for him as he realized he was one of the “lucky” ones who returned home. It was after this trip that he made a promise to himself – to build a memorial in his hometown of Dickinson in honor of his brothers and sisters in arms. He held that secret for many years before he shared that dream with his wife Cathy.
In 2012, Dave brought together a group of like-minded veterans and other supporters to develop plans to make “Dave’s Dream” become a reality. The STARK COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION was established. The memorial would honor all veterans of Stark County, having served during wartime or peacetime – past, present, and future. Special remembrance would be given to our heroes who were held as prisoners of war, were declared missing in action, were killed in action, or died during their service to the United States of America.
Among SCVMA’s volunteers was Linda Little, a local artist who is a nationally renowned bronze sculptor. Linda designed several layouts which she presented to SCVMA, with the
group selecting her design called “Circle of Healing” with 11 black granite tablets bearing the names of our heroes, encircled by personalized bricks and black granite benches. A bronze soldier, known as “Honor”, stands in salute to his fellow servicemen and women.
The dedicated group of veterans was off and running as they shared their plans with the communities of Stark County. Soon their efforts to spread the word and raise funds took on a life of its own – from school children raising money in their classes, to local businesses and organizations, and thousands of individuals. Tremendous support also came from the City of Dickinson, Dickinson Parks and Recreation, County of Stark, and the Stark County Park Board. Local contractors stepped up to pitch in with supplies, equipment, and workmanship. Whether the gift was $1 or $10,000, every donor knew that they owned a piece of this memorial honoring our brave heroes.
The patriotism of our community was awakened!
On October 4, 2015, the memorial was formally dedicated. Dave’s Dream had become a reality!
TIMELINE OF SCVM:
April 2012:
Public meeting to form a non-profit organization to honor Stark County’s veterans
December 2012:
IRS approval of charitable organization
January 2013:
Publicity and fundraising efforts begin
July 2013:
Groundbreaking ceremony
March 2015:
Concrete work begins
September 2015:
Tablets and memorial benches installed
October 2015:
Stark County Veterans Memorial dedication ceremony
Fall 2017:
Veterans Pavilion construction begins
Spring 2018:
Veterans Pavilion completed
October 2023:
U.S. Army M551 Sheridan Tank placed on permanent display
MISSION
The Stark County Veterans Memorial is dedicated to all the men and women of stark county who have honorably served in our nation’s military. We will be fore er indebted to these men and women and will forever owe special gratitude to thoser who gave all to protect the freedoms we enjoy.
president's statement
“This memorial shows respect to all veterans of Stark County who served their country in war time as well as peace time. All of these veterans gave some – many gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Dave Logosz, President
Stark County Veterans Memorial Association
sculpture's statement
“…I shared my visualization, a bronze sculpture of a soldier in combat uniform standing approximately 6 feet tall saluting in solemn tribute to the names of his comrades engraved on a series of black granite panels. The United States, North Dakota, and POW flags flying high. The Statue of Liberty and the emblems of armed forces in the fore ground granite panel. …It has been such a joyful experience to be a part of something so magnificent.”
Linda Little,
Designer, Sculptor
The Stark county memorial Association Board
President
Vice-President
Secratary/Treasuer
Directors
