Controversy Surrounds Pending War Dog Memorial
Written by Andrew-Rossi on May 30, 2017
A very public accusation by a local veteran’s advocate brought to light a divide within the committee that was formed to oversee the future of the Wyoming State Veteran’s Memorial Park.
At yesterday’s Memorial Day Service at the Park, organizers Buck Wilkerson and Bob Davidson announced their resignation from the steering committee, after Wilkerson publicly accused the volunteer organization Families on the Frontline and a member of the Cody City Council of withholding funds that were raised through private donations to install a War Dog Memorial.
Wilkerson pointed to the gravel pad where the memorial will eventually stand, and told attendees that the reason a statue isn’t already in place was because, quote, “the funds are being held hostage by the Families on the Frontline,” endquote. He also stated that a member of the Cody City Council was behind the effort to impede the progress of the memorial.
However, members of the Steering Committee appeared on KODI’s radio program Speak Your Peace earlier this month, and insist that there is no delay. Sharon Smith, a member of the committee and a speaker at yesterday’s service, says despite Wilkerson’s insistence, the memorial will be erected next summer as planned.
The announcement followed what was a very sentimental program that focused on the reason for Memorial Day, with speeches by Cody Mayor Matt Hall, Steering Committee Member Sharon Smith, and the Chief of Staff for the Wyoming Army National Guard, Colonel Steve Alkire.
