Patriot Gate Memorial Dedication Set for Tomorrow in Williston North Dakota

The Williston Basin Military Affairs Committee will dedicate the new Patriot Gate Memorial tomorrow, September 11, at Hillside Memory Gardens. The ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. and will honor the service and sacrifice of local veterans and their families.

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A Community Vision Years in the Making

The project has been years in the making, driven by community support and a vision to create a lasting place of reflection, remembrance, and pride. Patriot Gate now serves as a prominent entryway to Hillside Cemetery, which is the final resting place for more than 200 veterans, their spouses, and many others who helped shape the Williston region.

Statues and Symbolism Illuminate Patriot Gate

At the center of the memorial are two bronze statues crafted by sculptor Sutton Betti of Loveland, Colorado. One depicts a kneeling soldier in “Remembering the Fallen,” while the other portrays a Gold Star Mother. The statues are positioned on either side of a central flagpole, which is illuminated with focused lighting. At night, the site glows with red, white, and blue ground lighting directed toward the American flag.

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Commemorative Bench Honors All Branches of Service

Adding to the tribute, a commemorative bench sits just behind the Hillside Cemetery sign. It displays the bronze seals of all six branches of the U.S. military, creating a place for visitors to pause, reflect, and honor those who served.

“While this is a military memorial, it is also a monument to the broader Williston community,” said Brandon P. Delvo, Chairman of the Williston Basin Military Affairs Committee. “Hillside Cemetery is a sacred place—not just because of those who wore the uniform, but because it holds generations of local stories, sacrifices, and lives. This gate stands for all of them.”

Tomorrow’s dedication is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and be part of this historic moment of remembrance.