Construction Of Veterans Memorial Wall At Tongue River Middle School Finished

After some construction and supply delays, work on the Veterans Memorial Wall At Tongue River Middle School has been completed.

The wall is stationed in front of the school along US Highway 14 on the west side of Ranchester and was dedicated last year on Veterans Day, even though it was incomplete at the time.

Recently six black granite slab pictorials were placed on each side of the wall.

One side portrays a significant event in military history, while the other side mentions the branches of the US Armed Forces and a list of donors to the project.

Middle School President Jeff Jones says the idea for the wall came up 2 years ago, by those who are now sophomores at Tongue River High School.

“They were kind of brainstorming a way to show an appreciation that would stand the test of time. Show an appreciation for our Veterans in this area and in the Tongue River Valley.”

Jones adds that a veteran recently spoke with him and expressed his appreciation that some of the pictures show servicemen in foreign countries with children.

“He said people don’t understand the impact that had, when someone as innocent as a child, where you’re on their homeland and they don’t understand war, the impact that that had to have those children cling to our servicemen, because they were in a vulnerable position.”

Jones says during the past few weekends, visitors coming from the other side of the Big Horn Mountains have come down, see the wall, and stop for about 20-30 minutes to check it out.

The wall cost about $250,000 to put together.

Click here to see a photo gallery.

Click here to see video of the 2021 TRMS Veterans’ Day event.