Artillery piece used in global conflict was gifted to community through U.S. Army Donations Program

Somerset Veterans Memorial Park finally has its centerpiece. 

Since the park’s grand opening and dedication in April 2023, a platform at its entrance has sat bare, adorned with the logos of every U.S. military service but waiting for the military vehicle that would make it complete. Finding it has been a four-year process for Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) President and CEO Chris Girdler. And as Boy Scout Chester Kaiser Troop 79 pulled the tarp off the M109 American 155MM Howitzer at Monday’s Veterans Day celebration and unveiling, Girdler couldn’t help but swell with patriotic pride.

“Without our military men and women, none of what we do in America would be possible,” Girdler said. “Through our military strength, we can live in peace in our country and under the umbrella of freedom that so many take for granted. This has been a passion project for me and an honor to undertake. Somerset-Pulaski County is such a patriotic and God-fearing community, and I’m so excited that we now have a place to recognize our veterans and these great American values. SPEDA is grateful to have been a part of this overall project and thankful to many who helped bring it to fruition.”

The list of people to thank is long, Girdler said. And it starts with U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers.

“Without his support and influence, bringing this incredible artillery piece here simply would not have been possible,” Girdler said. “We can attribute so much of the growth and prosperity of this community to Congressman Rogers, but this is different. This is special. This Howitzer symbolizes the enormous strength and sacrifice of the men and women who serve our country. To have such a significant piece of history in a park we have dedicated to our veterans is an honor, and I am so grateful to Congressman Rogers for believing in the effort to get it here.”

Rogers attended Monday’s ceremony and applauded community leaders for their vision to honor local veterans so prominently and proudly.

“Veterans in the Lake Cumberland region now have an impressive park to visit in Somerset that highlights their service and sacrifice,” Rogers said. “I was honored to secure an M109 Howitzer from the U.S. Army as the centerpiece for the park. Many of our veterans operated an arsenal tank, like this one, to defend this great nation and our allies overseas. This tank reflects the incredible courage and bravery of our local veterans. I applaud our local leaders for envisioning this park to honor our veterans, and I count it a great privilege to be a part of this special Veterans Day celebration.”

The M109 American 155MM Howitzer is an artillery piece that has served in many global conflicts and military engagements, including the Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Iraq wars. It was donated to the community through the U.S. Army Donations Program from Camp Johnson in Vermont. After a lengthy application process, the Howitzer was transported from Vermont to Somerset-Pulaski County, where it was sandblasted and painted according to the Army’s strict specifications for donated military vehicles. It was then transported downtown and placed onto its platform by a large crane — which also had to be transported to Somerset — capable of lifting 30 tons, the approximate weight of this artillery piece.

Instrumental to the transportation and preparation of this artillery piece was Pulaski County’s CCI Industrial Services. Girdler said from the moment he learned the Howitzer would be coming to Pulaski County, owner Rick Cable and his team pulled out all the stops to transport it here and prepare it to be displayed downtown.

“We couldn’t ask for a better community partner in this endeavor,” Girdler said. “CCI went above and beyond to help us pull off what at times felt like an insurmountable task. But they did it with class, professionalism and excellence, and we are so grateful for their hard work and dedication to this project.”

A first-of-its-kind effort dedicated to honoring local veterans and their service to their country, Somerset Veterans Memorial Park, located at the corner of Oak and Main streets downtown, is a partnership of SPEDA and the City of Somerset. The park’s significance is three-fold — not only does it honor local veterans, but it beautifies a once blighted downtown area and helps with persistent drainage challenges through a stormwater retention system built beneath the park. This block in busy downtown Somerset features bricks, trees, benches, and a Wall of Honor that all pay tribute to local veterans and their service. 

The park has received significant contributions from title sponsor First & Farmers National Bank and veteran-owned Horse Soldier Bourbon. Both companies are deeply committed to veterans’ initiatives in the community. First & Farmers President and CEO Terry Pugh and Horse Soldier President Scott Neil attended and offered remarks at Monday’s ceremony.

As did Somerset Mayor Alan Keck, who began working at the beginning of his first term to acquire this property and partner with SPEDA to transform it into a space that honors local veterans and protects the community from flooding.

“There is a certain symbolism in the work this park does to protect downtown from being flooded from 100-year rains,” Keck said. “It only made sense that this space should honor those who protect our freedoms above ground, while below it protects our safety. It is an honor and privilege for the City of Somerset to be the caretaker of this beautiful property filled with love and support for so many who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. And now, it is adorned with a powerful piece of military history that is truly a sight to see. Thank you to SPEDA, Congressman Rogers, CCI, and the many members of the City of Somerset team who went above and beyond to ensure this moment was possible.”

Pulaski County Judge Executive Marshall Todd said the M109 Howitzer will be a patriotic and welcome addition to the heart of Pulaski County.

“Located just down from the courthouse, the Somerset Veterans Memorial Park is yet another example of how Pulaski County is one of the best places in Kentucky to live if you’re a veteran. For their service to our country and our community, the least we can do is make sure they are recognized and seen. From the state-funded Veterans Ranch to our own Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Office located in the Pulaski County Courthouse, we want this region to know that the needs of our veterans are being met and that they are very much appreciated and seen.”

Donations continue to be welcomed for this park. If you would like to honor a loved one who served in the military with a brick, tree, bench or a plaque on the Wall of Honor, visit somersetkyleads.com/speda-community-foundation/, email jessica@speda.org or call (606) 425-5409. SPEDA Community Foundation’s Ride the Wave mural trail will also benefit the park, and statues are now on sale for businesses and organizations that want to be a part of this public art project that will be marketed to the area’s millions of visitors. Learn more at somersetkyleads.com/ride-the-wave/.