Numerous veterans attended the Lincoln County veterans memorial monument dedication on Memorial Day evening. The Western News asked some of the veterans to describe the day’s significance. Here are their words.

“There’s not another monument like that in the world. The combination of a World War II soldier and an Afghan soldier is unique. Like a lot of people, I said I could only imagine what combat is like before I got there. Well, that’s true.”

— Gary Dodge, Army 1972-1989, 2004-2010.

“It’s the old school helping the new school. It reminds me of my dad, who served in the Navy on the Intrepid.”

— Rocke Gifford, Army

“This is a huge deal. I knew people, personally, who died in Vietnam. I wept when I found their names in Washington, D.C. at the monument. If we got behind things like this more often, the county could be in a lot better place.”

— Russ Bache, Navy

“You’re proud to be an American. You’re proud you served your country. I’m proud I came back in one piece, man. The guys I work with and grew up with are, a lot of them are Vietnam vets. I appreciate them guys too, what they did for their country. This monument makes people proud.”

— Laurence Carlberg, Vietnam, 1967

“I think it’s the greatest thing that ever happened to Libby. I really do. Look at the turnout we had, it’s great. Libby has always been great for getting behind everything. For a little town, its got more going on than any little town I’ve ever seen.”

— Ed Dutton, Air Force, 1961-1963