 The president's budget proposal eliminates public media funding. Learn how you can help at lptv.org slash action. An addition could be added to the Freedom Defender's Veterans Memorial. Our Josh Peterson takes a look at how a military helicopter could land a new home in downtown Bemidji. Next to the Beltrami County History Center, you will find each branch of the United States military represented in a Veterans Memorial. But the tribute to the military could soon have a new addition hovering overhead. This aircraft, if this project is approved, will come from the U.S. Army, it'll be on loan to us. And it would be what we call a bird on a stick. And we put it up in the air 12 to 15 feet so it it couldn't be vandalized readily and be protected. The Freedom Defender's group would like to place their static display of a military helicopter right here at the end of Minnesota Avenue near the entrance to the Beltrami County History Center, where their Veterans Memorial is already located. The Freedom Defender's met with the Bemidji City Council during Monday night's work session to discuss their plans and choice for location. While support for the project is strong, some council members have concerns about the location while others felt it was the ideal spot. I'm struggling a little bit with the timing of this because it seems out of sync with the potential for us to develop that site. And then also just understanding that we are really looking for a trailhead in this neighborhood. I do believe it ties in with the memorials for the veterans. I think that's very important. I think we would also get a lot more visibility here than out at the airport. For the project to move forward, before the city will fully consider the proposal, the city Bemidji had some recommendations for the display. We're at the stage right now that we're still assessing if it's a good development for the downtown and if it's a good development to complement that park. While there is no set timeline for the project, the most important aspect to the Freedom Defender's is preserving history and honoring our veterans. A lot of little children will get big eyes when their the grandpa points up at that thing and says, hey, let me tell you a story. In Bemidji, Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. The Freedom Defender's will meet with the Bemidji Arts Commission to discuss the project and its location next month. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.