Why is it that we are constantly doubting teenagers and their ability to do great in this world?
Jon Hawkinson, mayor of Olivia, Minnesota, had his doubts when a 15-year-old approached the city council two years ago with plans to build an expansive veterans’ memorial.
But to his surprise, Dominique Claseman, then a sophomore in high school, was more than prepared. And when all was said and done, Dominique far exceeded everyone’s expectations.
At 15 years old Dominique approached his hometown’s city council with an idea. He wanted to build a veterans’ memorial to honor those who served our country.
At first Hawkinson was a bit concerned. Would Dominique be able to achieve everything? But once Hawkinson saw Dominique had architect drawings, a space picked out, and knew who would donate to his project, he began to have a little faith.
Dominique started off by raising $12,000, which quickly turned into $15,000.
Soon he exceeded $77,000 in donations.
“I question myself on how I even did it sometimes,” he told KARE11.
The teen, who completed the project as part of his Eagle Scout project, put up flyers around town, did interviews with the local newspaper and radio station, and set up a table at events held at the local American Legion.
As he collected more donations, he changed the plans for the memorial.
“I wanted to show more appreciation in a bigger way.”
In addition to 280 pavers that bear the names of veterans who have ties to Olivia, statues, and benches, Dominique had his father wear his combat boots from Iraq and leave 21 footprints in the memorial’s wet cement.
Dedication day
Two years after Dominique first approached his town’s city council, a dedication ceremony was held.
Hundreds of people showed up on Memorial Day to pay their respects.
Kim Wertish had the opportunity to personally thank Dominique for recognizing her son who was killed in Iraq on July 16, 2009.
“James has been honored in many cities through connections with the military, and that’s dear to us also, but this is our hometown,” she said.
“The memorial before you is the result of the generosity and support that I, and the veterans of community, have received,” the teen said during the dedication ceremony.
Dominique hopes that his two younger brothers, who are also Boy Scouts, will improve upon and help maintain the veterans’ memorial as part of their own Eagle Scout projects.
I’m speechless! What an incredible effort led by such a young man.
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