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10th Mountain Division monument in Watertown evokes pride, tears

A monument that celebrates Fort Drum’s relationship with its surrounding community was revealed at a ceremony in Watertown’s Thompson Park on Friday.

The four-sided granite monument depicts the 10th Mountain Division's history starting with World War II and ending in its missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tom Doosin, an Air Force veteran who lives in Henderson, next to Lake Ontario, was there.

“I’m somewhat emotional about it and I’ll probably spend my most patriotic Independence Day weekend reflecting on what’s really important. This wonderful country we have and all the people who have ensured our stability and served our country,” Doosin said.

Al Soria is a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division. He was part of the ski troops who fought the Germans in the Italian Alps during World War II.

“I was born in Italy and I came to the United States when I was 15 years old. I always wanted to join the ski troopers and I did and I always proud I was able to liberate my home country from the Germans and the fascists.”

Inside the monument is a time capsule with items from Fort Drum. It will be opened on the 50th anniversary of the division's reactivation in 2035.

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