It’s been three years since a group first started discussing the possibility of a monument dedicated to Spearfish veterans, and Tuesday, that same group got to see the flag raised for the first time above the completed first phase of the Spearfish Veterans Monument (SVM) at Indian Springs, across from the Spearfish City Park.
“May that flag always fly high to honor our veterans, and may it be a legacy here,” Patrick Lewellen, monument committee member and vice commander of the Spearfish American Legion Post 164, said during the ceremony.
Jim Benning, of Ainsworth-Benning, Inc., donated the flagpole in honor of the late Lyle Ainsworth, and his widow, Garnette Ainsworth, was present to hand the flag to Ron Schuttler, commander of the Spearfish Veterans Honor Guard, who presented the flag. Members of the monument committee helped to raise the flag, and a 21-gun salute by the Spearfish Veterans Honor Guard followed. All present, including public officials, members of Spearfish American Legion Post 164, American Legion Riders-Black Hills Chapter, American Legion Auxiliary, Spearfish Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5860, SVM committee, and area residents, participated in the Pledge of Allegiance once the colors were flying.
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