Freedom Is Not Free Monument

The 'Freedom Is Not Free' monument, also known as the Richmond Veterans Monument, was built on June 1, 2002, and is located on the same plot of land as the Richmond Community Building, located on the northwest corner of State and Main.

"The finished monument features a flagpole and a large flag rising from the center of a five-pointed pebble-grained star. The star is surrounded by a square of dark paving brick, which, in turn, is bordered by a light brick walkway. Each point of the star leads to a stone pillar in which is placed a marble slab and a bronze bust..."1

The monument contains 631 names of men and women who participated in American wars: American-Mexican War (Mormon Battalion), Spanish-American War, World War I & II, Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf War. Also included are individuals during Peacetimes and Reserves. Five pillars display the names of individuals with busts atop the pillars dressed in the uniforms of four branches of the military: Two Army busts (male and female), Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Val Lewis designed all the sculptures. At the unveiling of the monument, a book containing all the names with photos of the patriots was made and is available to the public at the Richmond City building located at 1 West.

The site was dedicated by Dennis Jackson, President of the Richmond, Utah Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Memorial Committe and Contributors

World War II veteran Garr Christensen and his wife, Maxine Karren, began the effort to create a marker for the veterans of American wars, located in front of the Richmond Community Building. The Richmond Veterans Memorial Committee was established as early as May 28, 2001, and began asking residents of Richmond for names and photos of war veterans.3

Memorial Committee

Garr & Maxine Christensen, R. Dell & Luann Tripp, Dean Hicken, Gale V. Alvey, Norman Stockton, Ludean Watterson, Leslie Erickson, Helen Kidd, and Wendy Christensen

Contributions

Plates and Engravings were done by Bridgeland Applied Technology College and Christensen Construction.

The Herald Journal, Attorney Joe Chambers, Brent Carlson Construction, Dan Miller, Bill Wing, Barbra Stewart, Don Bell, Glenn Allred, and Kurt Christensen. Gravel and cement were provided by Watking Printing

Principal Donors were George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles, Eccles Foundation, Lewiston State Bank, and Garr And Maxine Christensen.

Founders were Gale & Marva Dawn Alvey, Foland & Alice Anderson, the Richmond Youth Council, Faye Theurer, R. Dell & Luann Tripp, and Marice & LuDean Christensen.

Message from US President George W. Bush

"I am pleased to send greetings to all those gathered for the dedication of the Richmond War Memorial.

"As our country responds to aggression and terrorism, we look to America's veterans for their example of courage and sacrifice in defending freedom. The soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who fought for America made a contribution, not just to the defense of our Nation, but to the character of our Nation. Their bravery protected the democratic ideals and liberties for which we fight today.

"I join with Americans across the country in expressing my appreciation for your service and patriotism. Best wishes for a memorable event."4

Photos

Before the foundation of the monument, collections of World War I & II veteran photos were preserved and presented in the basement of the library. In 1985, Anthony L. Larson asked Richmond veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars to send photos to the city as part of his Eagle Scout project.5 When the monument was unveiled, those photos were added to a book. The photos are currently hanging in the Park Community Center.

Controversy