News : Veterans Park Rededication

Veterans who helped to celebrate the Veteran's Park Rededication

On Friday, after months of hard work to prepare Veteran's Park to reopen, it was ready for its dedication. Area veterans gathered for the ceremony along with area residents and city officials.

The bricks that had formerly been in the ground representing area veterans were removed as they had begun to deteriorate over time, and a new idea formed. Ideal Industries of Vinton designed and created the display stands that hold the nameplates created by Ashley Hesson of Vinton Trophy and Awards.

The displays hold several names of veterans who have called Vinton, or Benton County home.

This park in Vinton has been a special project for Parks and Recreation Director, Matt Boggess the son of a veteran. Boggess, City Administrator, Chris Ward who is also a veteran and Tami Stark, City Council Member at Large and Mayor Pro-Tem all spoke to the veterans and residents who gathered at the park.

Ward shared these powerful words at the dedication, "It is an immense privilege to stand here before you, in the presence of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

As we reflect upon the significance of this veteran's memorial, we are reminded of the timeless values that define our great country: courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to preserving the freedoms we hold dear. Today, we come together not only to remember the brave men and women who have served but also to renew our commitment to upholding the principles they fought for.

This memorial serves as a tangible reminder of the indomitable spirit of our veterans. It tells the stories of countless heroes who answered the call of duty, leaving their families and homes to defend the ideals that make our nation exceptional. Their sacrifices serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring strength of the American people.

As we rededicate this memorial, let us not only remember the past but also look to the future. Let us pledge to honor our veterans not only with words but with deeds. Let us ensure that their service is never forgotten and that their needs are met when they return home. Let us commit ourselves to building a society where every veteran is cared for, every sacrifice is acknowledged, and every life is enriched by the legacy of our heroes.

In the words of President Abraham Lincoln, "Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause."

May this memorial continue to inspire us to honor, support, and remember our veterans. May it be a symbol of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of America."

The beautiful display was created with a special place to hold a flag and to also place a flower next to the nameplates. Each plate has a space on the monument where flowers can be placed in a 1.5-inch hole and a small hole for a miniature flag. Flowers may be purchased at our local flower shops in a variety of prearranged bouquets, or you may use any flowers of your choosing. (Any vase being brought must fit in the 1.5-inch hole for each plate.)

Flowers (unless plastic) will be removed every Friday.

The following miniature flags may be displayed: American Flag, flag from branch of service, P.O.W, or K.I.A flag. Flags must be twisted into the hole. Flags will be removed if they are deemed by VPRD staff to be tattered or in poor condition due to the desire to have this monument remain honorable and clean in appearance.

To purchase a Veterans Plate, please bring in or mail your Veterans Plate Order Form including payment to the following address: Vinton Parks and Recreation Attn: Bench Donation Program 701 A Street East Vinton, IA 52349 If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 319-472-4164

The Veteran's Park is located on Riverside Dr. within sight of the Parks and Recreation building. If you would like to purchase a nameplate to add to the display, click here for the form, the cost is $50 per plate.

For more pictures, click here.