Teen, Whose Father Served in Iraq, Raises $77,000 to Build a Veteran's Memorial in His Town

Minnesota local Dominique Claseman, then 15 years old, approached his local council in Olivia City to propose the construction of a veteran's memorial. It was initially part of his training with the Eagle Scout Service Project that went on to become something bigger.

Claseman, the son of a military man who served in Iraq, had a goal to raise between $12,000 to $15,000 for the memorial. He gathered interest by distributing information sheets about why there must be a veteran's memorial. The determined boy posted these in establishments and local events. He went to the local newspaper and radio stations to discuss his project.

In due time, several locals and organizations helped with the fundraiser that unexpectedly ballooned to $77,000. Mayor Jon Hawkinson told Kare 11 that he first thought the teenager was setting himself for a big challenge that would likely fail. Other locals were also doubting if Claseman could complete the project.

But two weeks before his 17th birthday in April 2022, Olivia City unveiled its own veteran's memorial that had impressive details. The teenager proved to everyone that it could be done.

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Dominique Claseman had a plan

The mayor said it was soon evident that the teenager had a plan. He had picked the space and prepared architectural drawings before convincing the council to sign off on the memorial. He also asked for help from veteran families willing to shoulder the cost of the paving stones.

Claseman was passionate about this project because he comes from a long line of military servicemen, per the Washington Examiner. To personalize the memorial, the teenager asked his father to wear his combat boots and mark 21 footprints while laying down the cement.

The new memorial on Kubesh Park has black and gray slabs with the names of the 280 veterans from Olivia City. It also features a walkway that leads up to a 21-foot circular memorial stone with the three flags representing America, Minnesota, and the Prisoners of War. The setting has four benches for visitors to sit on if they want to reflect on the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Behind the flag are two sculptures of military helmets dedicated to Kyle Miller and James Wertish, local soldiers who died in Iraq. There is also a sculpture of a battle cross.

"I wanted to show more appreciation in a bigger way," Claseman said during the dedication ceremony. "The memorial before you is the result of the generosity and support that I, and the veterans of the community, have received."

Expanding the memorial in the future

But Claseman still plans to do more for the veteran's memorial. If his two brothers are old enough, he's hoping they will also make this into their Eagle Scout Service Project, per Upworthy. According to the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle Scout Service Project develops the leadership abilities of young men by developing something that will benefit the whole community.

Meanwhile, many locals said they could not remember an initiative spearheaded by a teenager that generated $77,000 in donations. To their knowledge' Claseman's project is the biggest so far.

Olivia City will commemorate Memorial Day and veteran events on the site from hereon.

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