Memorial Backed By Bermuda Executive Unveiled
Nearly a century after the University of Montana honoured those associated with the college who died in World War One [1914-1918], it paid tribute to the 40 Montanans who have sacrificed their lives in America’s most recent conflicts.
With an overflow crowd of hundreds looking on — including more than 100 survivors of the Montana servicemen who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan — the University of Montana last night [Nov.4] unveiled its Fallen Soldier Memorial, a tribute spearheaded by Bermuda insurance executive and college alumnus David Bell [pictured].
“Parents, wives, children and siblings searched among the crowd’s feet for the granite tile with their loved one’s name on it as dark skies began to drizzle,” reports Montana’s “Missoulian” newspaper.
“A couple of families, including that of Marine Lance Cpl. Jeremy Monroe of Chinook, left framed photographs of their Marines and soldiers once they found theirs.
“Behind them, the larger-than-life bronze memorial — of two parents, a child and a teacher gazing at a makeshift battlefield cross —had just been unveiled.”
A member of the University of Montana’s Reserve Officer Training Corps stood guard over the memorial, by Montana artist Rick Rowley, until it saw its first sunrise this morning.
University of Montana president Royce Engstrom noted that the 40 who have been killed left behind, among other survivors, 28 children.
They are represented by the young boy in the memorial — and all 28 children have been promised a free college education at the Montana public university of their choice by a charity called Grateful Nation Montana co-founded by Mr. Bell, chief operating officer of Bermuda’s Allied World Assurance.
Conceptual Art of the University of Montana’s Fallen Soldier Memorial
Mr. Bell, on hand for the unveiling, almost broke down early in his speech when he referred to Bethany MacKinnon, widow of US Army Capt. Michael MacKinnon, and her children.
“This journey has been more than I bargained for,” Mr. Bell admitted later to a packed house in the Performing Arts and Radio TV-Center’s Montana Theatre. “I am haunted by the images of all 40 men.”
He thanked former University of Montana president George Dennison for paving the way for the memorial to go up as quickly as it did. Mr. Bell came up with the idea just a year ago when he and his wife, Brittany, were strolling across the campus of their alma mater — and Mr. Engstrom for keeping the ball rolling.
The $200,000 memorial, paid for by donations, represents a grateful nation, he added.
Its intent is to “Thank you for paying the ultimate price for my freedom,” Mr. Bell said. “Now what can I do for you?”
Guaranteeing college educations for the children of fallen warriors is his goal. Grateful Nation Montana also offers tutoring and mentoring to the children years before they reach college age.
