The Anaconda Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial Association (AVEVMA) was formed from the vision Mickie Nazer, a Vietnam Veteran and Deer Lodge County native, had to honor area Servicemen. He commissioned a plaque (now residing in the Courthouse) honoring Vietnam Veterans. In particular, he wanted to honor the eight who died during the Vietnam Conflict, including three of his classmates. It was his hope to honor ALL Vietnam Era Veterans – living or dead, in all branches of the service.

As Mickie spoke to others and debated the best way to display the plaque, a group was formed to assist him. The Anaconda Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial Association was formed. It became a non-profit, 501(c)(3) certified organization with all donations being tax deductible. The Memorial has now culminated in the Memorial to the right.

A granite obelisk is centrally located at the site and engraved with a replica of Mr. Nazer’s plaque with artist Fred Boyer’s sculptured EAGLE atop. It is dedicated to Vietnam Era Veterans. Encircling the obelisk is a beautifully engineered SURROUND of steel, granite, and engraved tiles. ALL VETERANS of ALL WARS and conflicts who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America (past or present) may have had their name added to the tiles if they were drafted from, enlisted from, or were/are part of the Deer Lodge County community. Names were added first come, first served. The Memorial is now complete.

The list (linked below) shows the location of Veterans names which were added during the time of construction. It is, by far, not a complete list of Veterans from Deer Lodge County; rather, it is a REPRESENTATION of all Veterans from the Community. As many as possible were included.  The numbers next to the names refer to the GRID upon which the names are found. There are 11 GRIDS, number one being at the southeast corner of the Memorial and the last, number 11, on the northeast corner.

Additional Information

• The AVEVMA meets semiannually, at least.  The project may be complete, but input is always welcome.
• Check out the Anaconda Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial Facebook page.
• Call (406) 491-2278 or (406) 560-7386 for more information, meetings, etc.
• The goal of the Memorial is to publicly give ALL Veterans the respect and acknowledgement they deserve, whether listed or not on the surround. The Memorial is complete, but the maintenance will continue forever. 
• Drop a note or donations may be made toward the future upkeep of this beautiful site at: P.O. Box 126, Anaconda, Montana 59711

THANKS!

The project was completed for approximately $150,000 in approximately three and one-half years. This community has been extremely generous and supportive as have family and friends around the country. Without every one of them, the Memorial could not have been completed, especially in such an unbelievably short time. Thanks to ALL who were a part of the process!!