Corner receives Optimist donation for Eagle Scout project at Veterans Memorial Park

by Mitch Forsyth

Chloe Corner, a Havre High School sophomore, is working to construct a veterans memorial as part of her Eagle Scout project. It is located at the new Havre Veterans Memorial Park, formerly US Bank Park, across from the Montana State University-Northern football stadium. The Optimist Club of Havre, along with several of its members, donated $1,100 to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 497, the project sponsor, to help Chloe fund a portion of her project. The park, which is sponsored by the Havre American Legion Post 11, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 497 and the American Legion Riders, was rededicated Oct. 21, 2023.

Chloe's project will have a cement platform and a mostly brick structure, with three flag poles behind the platform displaying the American Flag, Montana State Flag and POW/MIA Flag. The flags will be illuminated using solar panel lights. The front of the display will have six emblems designating each branch of the armed forces of the United States; Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. The back side of the memorial will have dedication plaques for the three flag poles honoring veteran members of the Havre community. The Optimists generously donated the money to purchase all three flag poles and solar lights.

Funding for the project is ongoing. A raffle is currently being held sponsored by VFW Post 497, VFW Auxiliary Post 497 and Havre Elks Lodge 1201. Donations include a hatchet and knife from Montana Hammer Knives, a 45-quart Orion Cooler from Western Trailer Sales and a vehicle detailing certificate from Smith Detailing. Tickets are selling for $20 each or 6-for-$100. The drawing will be held March 23 during the Havre Elks Lodge Annual Shrimp Peel Scholarship Fundraiser. Tickets can be purchased from Western Trailer Sales, Dale and Debra Herd, Brandy Kurtz and Chloe Corner. All ticket sales benefit Chloe Corner's Veterans Park Eagle Scout project.