US-95 Memorial

American Legion Las Vegas Post 149 (Las Vegas, Nevada)

An American Legion Rider from Post 149 received an e-mail from Past Department President Agnes Williams from the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Nevada, concerning a memorial in the middle of the Nevada desert. Some would say it is a memorial in the middle of nowhere.

As many times as I’ve ridden up and down US-95, between Las Vegas and Reno, I’ve noticed makeshift memorials along the way, but never paid much attention. Makeshift memorials, along the barren expanse of Nevada, marking the passing of someone’s loved ones, are fairly common; but this one is different.

As it turns out, this almost forgotten memorial is for one of our comrades; a former National Historian from Post 60 in Laughlin, Nevada, who was killed on a trip to Tonopah. The history might have been lost had it not been for one, very dedicated lady, wanting to pass on a part of our history. And that is an honor in itself.

Sadly, in the summer of 2009, some Godless heathens destroyed the memorial. Riders heading to Operation Wounded Warrior found the remains of the memorial in late September. Vowing to rebuild it, by October 11^th, riders headed back to install a new memorial, one that should withstand the senseless vandalism that took place. With 3” steel tubing and four bags of concrete, if someone wants to destroy this one, at least they’ll have their work cut out.

The memorial is on the east side of US-95; facing west towards the beautiful Nevada sunset. It is set approximately 14 miles south of the cattle guard on the south end of Tonopah, or 10 miles north of the junkyard at the north end of Goldfield. Or more specially, the grid coordinates are 37 deg, 57 min, N. Latitude; 117 deg, 14 min, 22 sec, W. Longitude.

Although riders from Paradise Post 149 have decided to adopt the memorial, our hopes are that Legion Riders from across Nevada take the time to stop, pay respect, and let us know the condition of the memorial.

Better yet, take a picture and send it to us so we can have a photo history of the memorial’s condition. Legion Riders passing through Nevada are welcome to join the effort as well. And if you happen to be in Las Vegas, heading north, don’t be surprised if we give you a can of white spray paint; it’s the least that you can do for a fallen Legionnaire.

Send pictures to info@Post149.org

This original memorial was dedicated on October 5th, 1996 and found destroyed by Godless heathens on September 24th, 2009.

Here is the original message from Past Department President Agnes Williams:

From: Agnes Williams

Sent: Jun 24, 2009 5:37 PM

To: Menarik

Subject: Cross

Maria, are you riding your bike to CC {Carson City}. If so I wonder if you two could do something for me. There is a white cross on a small incline along the highway coming up here after you leave Goldfield about 15 mi at mile post 31-30 before you start up the hill into Tonopah. If you could, take a minute to stop there and check it out. There should be a wreath on the cross.

The cross belongs to a lady Legionnaire that was killed there years back. I have maintained the wreath ever since. She belonged to Post 60 and was coming to Tonopah for a DEC {Department Executive Committee} meeting. Her husband was badly injured but survived. She had become the National Historian for the Legion at the National convention of that year. Only wore the red hat for three months.

If the wreath needs to be replaced maybe I could have one made before you would head back home on Sunday or whenever you plan to go. I would so much appreciate it if you could do this. Since we don’t drive south anymore I have no way of knowing how it is. Thank you so much.

Ag

PS. Her red hat is on display in the Department office in Las Vegas.

Agnes Williams’s response to the rededication

----Original Message-----

From: Agnes Williams

Sent: Friday, October 16, 2009 10:27 AM

To: Menarik

Subject: Re: FW: Legion Memorial

To you and the Legion riders, I am not able to express my appreciation for the beautiful job that they have done in La Reine's honor. If I can find one I will send you a picture of the original cross that the men put up. That too was a memorial to be remembered. First they got permission to erect one on the day they did it many Legionnaires were in attendance.

The Highway patrol was there to direct cars around the area so that no one would get hit. They too had buckets for water, cement etc. except there was no rebar. From then on between Marge Stingerie of Hawthorne and I, the wreaths were replaced. She and I took turns.

One year at a Department convention in Laughlin she and I was presented with an award for our work. There was a fund set up to repay us for the wreaths but we never collected. That was our gift to the Legion and "THE LADY"

After I quit driving US-95 I would ask whoever was going South to check it out and I would send along a wreath. Everyone always cooperated with me. Now I have peace of mind that some else cares.

I had written to her husband last week before I knew that it had been replaced to let him know that is was no longer there. I should have a reply soon from him. He lives in California. Anyway, to all, THANKS AGAIN.

Agnes, and HB too.

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Post E-Mail: info@post149.org

Or Mail to:

American Legion Paradise Post 149

P.O. Box 70184

Las Vegas, NV 89170