RITCHIE SECURES $50,000 FOR 10th MOUNTAIN DIVISION MONUMENT

As the nation pauses to remember the lives of those who were impacted by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, State Senator Patty Ritchie announced Monday that she has secured $50,000 in state funding for Thompson Park’s “Honor the Mountain” monument, which pays tribute to the 10th Mountain Division.

Following the attacks on 9/11, the 10th Mountain Division was among the first Army units in Afghanistan.  Since that time, members of the division have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan numerous times.

Funding secured by Senator Ritchie will be utilized to assist with the preservation and maintenance of the monument, located at Thompson Park in Watertown. The monument serves as a symbol of appreciation from the communities surrounding Fort Drum.

“The ‘Honor the Mountain’ monument is an important addition to the community that depicts the important roles the 10th Mountain Division has played in protecting our country, but is also a visible reminder of the unique relationship the North Country has with our military neighbors at Fort Drum,” said Senator Ritchie. “I am pleased to deliver this funding which will ensure those who made the project possible have the resources necessary to complete and preserve this symbol of appreciation for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division.”

“The Honor the Mountain Monument stands as a symbol not only of the selfless sacrifices made by 10th Mountain Division soldiers, but also of the strong bond that exists between Fort Drum and our civilian community,” said Gil Pearsall, Chair of the North Country Honors the Mountain Committee. “Thank you to Senator Ritchie for your support, which will help to ensure this monument stands as a lasting tribute to the Division’s history and legacy for many years to come.”

This is the latest effort by Senator Ritchie to recognize the impact Fort Drum has on the region. Recently, she announced that she secured $350,000 in funding to help bolster Fort Drum and protect the installation from possible cuts.

Fort Drum is home to 15,000 soldiers and nearly 16,000 more family members. It is the state’s largest single-site employer. The 10th Mountain Division is one of the most deployed units in the U.S. military.