The Rutland American Legion Post #215 and the Legion Auxiliary have been working on a project to honor Rutland’s home-town heroes. A joint committee was formed to plan a veteran’s memorial to be erected in Rutland. The Legion and Auxiliary have been working on several small fundraisers for nearly two years and have already received more than $6,000 in contributions. The fundraisers have included bake sales, pancake breakfasts, raffles and a pie and ice cream social at Rutland’s Ribfest. They are currently selling tickets for a quilt raffle and in June will be coordinating the food for the Relay for Life Tractor Drive and also for a private auction.
The first phase of the Veterans Memorial project is estimated at about $12,000. The project, located between the City Hall and American Legion Building, will begin with the cement base and a pyramid tower nearly 16′ tall with names of area veterans. The project is set to begin this summer while the group continues to raise funds.
If you are interested in contributing toward this project, please send contributions to Joan Lee, American Legion Auxiliary President, at 9829 143rd Avenue Southeast, Cayuga, ND 58013. Names of veterans are being compiled but if you have a name to be included, please let Joan know. The group does not want anyone to be excluded.
We will have future posts with the proposed sketch and related information as this wonderful project comes to fruition.
If you want to hear first hand about the project, be sure to attend the Memorial Day Program in Rutland on May 27, 2013.
rutlandramblings 
I have a great interest in your vets memorial. My uncle Reynold M. Bergman, son of Enock Bergman, was killed in WWII and buried at sea. I have a cousin that has told me she has knowledge of where Uncle Reynolds purple heart medal is and is wondering what to do with it that would be honorable. Do you have a secure viewing case that this item can be placed into? It would be nice if there was a place where some of these important items (photos and letters as well) could be housed so that members of the family and community can view them. Everyone can enjoy them. Let me know at homewoodrus@frontier.com Thanks, Janet Raymond (nee: Evans, daughter of Elvie M. Evans, nee Bergman)
Janet – I have forwarded your contact information to the Commander of the Legion Bergman-Evenson Post in Rutland. He should be in contact with you soon.