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Despite a soft rain, the annual Memorial Day Eve Candlelight Vigil was observed, fittingly, at the Rock County Memorial Sunday night.
“We debated about the weather, but it just seemed the right place to have a memorial service — right here at the Veterans Memorial,” said Rock County Veterans Services Officer Dave Haugom, who emceed the ceremony.
Chairs, umbrellas and electronic candles were provided to those who participated in the ceremony at the Veterans Memorial on the courthouse lawn.
As one attendee put it, “Our slight discomfort is nothing compared to the sacrifices of these soldiers.”
In addition to remembering the sacrifices of Rock County’s service men and women, Sunday’s events included an unveiling of a bronze bust of Warren Herreid and Jeannine Rivet.
The couple has donated millions of dollars toward establishing the Veterans Memorial and renovating the former county jail building to the Rock County Veterans Memorial Building.
As an expression of gratitude, the Veterans Memorial Committee had a bust made of Herreid and Rivet and it’s now mounted on 4-foot Sioux quartzite pedestal between the courthouse and the museum.
The plaque on the front of the artwork recognizes the couple for their contributions and thanks them for their generosity.
The plaque, in part, states, “For these generous and enduring gifts to the community, we express our deepest gratitude to Warren G. Herreid II and Jeannine M. Rivet and their KAHR Foundation.”
The couple said the process was humbling, and when they were first approached about the idea they were against it. “We didn’t do this for any recognition,” Herreid said about their donations.
Rivet said she hopes that the artwork might serve as a reminder for others to share their gifts, if they’re able. “We appreciate that we’ve been able to do this for the community,” Rivet said.
“We hope this helps future generations to see the importance of giving back to the community when you can.”
According to Rock County Administrator Kyle Oldre, who serves on the Veterans Memorial Committee, Herreid and Rivet had to be convinced to accept the plans for the bust. “We told them it’s just a community trying to say thanks,” Oldre said.
An art broker helped the group select nationally acclaimed Utah artist Ben Hammond, who has completed portrait busts for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Vance Walgrave of Luverne Monuments provided the pedestal and helped with assembly.
The gift was paid for by the Veterans Memorial Committee through the Perpetual Care Fund.