The
vision for the Escalante-Boulder Veterans’ Memorial was in the hearts of a
number of local residents for years and finally was given birth at the
Annual Veterans’ Day observance sponsored by the Daughters of the American
Revolution and the Local American Legion in November of 2002. Committee
members consisted of representatives from the Lions Clubs, Son of the Utah
Pioneers, American Legion, City of Escalante, Daughters of the American
Revolution and representatives from near by Boulder, Utah.
Eventually a site was located in
the City Park, and a bronze sculpture was selected to honor all
veterans. Three granite slabs are engraved with the names of the
men and women who enlisted from Escalante and Boulder. Over 450
names were found and double checked before putting them on the
monument. Brick Pavers placed in the entrance walkway were
engraved with the names of Veterans now living in Escalante and
Boulder as well as any other veteran that anyone chose to honor
including several Revolutionary War Ancestors! This part of the
monument will continue to be added to in years to come.
Hours and hours were spent by Chairman,
Jerry Roundy who persisted in discovering the names and locating family
members to notify them of the opportunity to honor their service.
Donations came from around the country and Bald Eagle Chapter member,
Harriet Priska, acted as Secretary Treasurer, receiving, and recording
all the funds and sending thank you letters. $50,000 was deposited to
completely pay for the entire project. 
Ground breaking was done on Memorial Day of
2004 and the Dedication was held on the 24th of July, 2004. Over 900
people came from around the country, some had not been home for 60
years.
Eagle Scout, Peter Christensen raised funds
to plant a native plant garden around the perimeter of the oval cement
area where the three 6 foot high granite slabs were placed. On one side
is a flag pole and on the other, a poignant bronze sculpture of a
soldier standing with his hand on the should of another kneeling.
Additionally, the Eagle Scout wrote the names of each veteran listed on
the monument on small American Flags which were place around the garden
area for family members to take home as a memento of the occasion.
