|
The funds raised from sale of the Iowa Veteran Commemorative Medals
were initially earmarked to help establish a dedicated state owned and
operated veterans cemetery. Iowa has a National Veterans Cemetery
located in Keokuk. However, our state was one of but a few that did not
have a dedicated veterans cemetery operated under national cemetery
standards. Countless Iowans generously contributed to our state leaders'
vision to pursue this dream by purchasing an Iowa Veteran Commemorative
Medal — and now, this dream has become a reality.
Construction of the Iowa Veterans Cemetery was funded through a
federal grant, which was awarded by the US Department of Veterans
Affairs (USDVA) State Cemetery Grants Program. Construction began in
late July 2007. The dedication was on July 3, 2008. In return for
receiving the grant, the state has contractually assured USDVA that it
will adequately fund the operation and maintenance of the cemetery to
national operating standards. Memorials and beautification projects on
the cemetery grounds are encouraged and must be funded by private
donation.
We have a responsibility to
honor those who served our
state and nation. They deserve tribute in life and in death. The Iowa
Veterans Cemetery ensures that Iowans live up to their responsibility to
provide both services and tribute to our veterans. The cemetery also
ensures that veterans and their family members have burial space that is
more than just a final resting place, but also a monument to their
selfless service and contribution to their community, state and country.
We ask that you consider contributing to the cemetery's
beautification projects by joining the
"Friends of the Cemetery"
donation program. You may contribute by making a money donation to the
Veterans Cemetery Fund, which is tax deductible. A donors list is
maintained at the cemetery's Administration Building for all to see (the
donor base is accessible from the grave locator kiosk found in the
vestibule of the building). You may also contribute by purchasing an
Iowa Veteran Commemorative Medal or memorial T-shirt (all current
fundraising programs are detailed on the
Friends of the Cemetery page on the cemetery's homepage). |
