The following is a legislative column submitted by Senator Amanda Ragan of Mason City:
As Memorial Day approaches, we salute all who wore the uniform and remember that freedom comes at a cost. Those who’ve sacrificed their lives are Iowa’s patriots. We can’t forget that their service was for us, whether they were family, friends or fellow citizens we never knew.
Iowa’s tradition of military service stretches back to the Civil War, in which we had the highest percentage of our population fighting. Iowans’ commitment to serve our country has remained strong. That’s why veterans make up a higher proportion of our state’s current population than they do for the nation as a whole.
This Memorial Day, there are many ways to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Fly the flag, take a walk through the cemetery or visit a local monument. No matter where we are, we can all join in the National Moment of Remembrance observed across the country at 3 p.m. on May 28.
The Iowa Veterans Cemetery, a State owned-and-operated cemetery constructed with federal funds, is completing its 10th year of operation. On Memorial Day, the cemetery hosts a ceremony, raises an Avenue of Flags, and places 110 flags along a center ring road and leading to a Fallen Heroes Monument.
The cemetery is a special place to visit any time you want to learn more about Iowans’ sacrifices for our freedoms. Visitors regularly stop, groups tour the facilities, and many community ceremonies and volunteer efforts take place on the grounds. Maintained by the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, the Iowa Veterans Cemetery is located 10 miles west of Des Moines along I-80 near Van Meter.
