GLADBROOK - Over 800 names highlight the Veterans Park and Memorial on the eastern edge of Gladbrook along Highway 96.
Along with the heroes, the monument includes flags and a cannon. The focal point of the memorial is the monument with the names of those who lost their lives defending their country.
The park was dedicated in 2006 after two years of planning and fundraising by the community. Jolene and Dick Denbow spearheaded the campaign to land the monument as Dick is a former commander in the American Legion who would visit other communities with their own monuments.
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T-R PHOTO BY ANDREW POTTER
The Veterans Park and Memorial on the eastern edge of Gladbrook was dedicated in 2006. Improvements have continued to be made to the park through the years.
"He thought that was something that we should have here too," Jolene Denbow said.
The monument hosts Gladbrook's Memorial Day ceremony each year, which, this past spring, featured a Waterloo National Guard Unit helicopter.
The next goal for leaders of the monument is to raise enough money to buy cement to totally fill in the driveway leading up to the memorial. Jolene Denbow said there is another goal to have presentations for school children who visit the monument.
"We're trying to expand that a little bit," she said.
Donations to the continued improvement of the monument are welcome. For more information on how to donate or help the cause call the Denbows at 641-473-2518.
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Each Monday this summer the Times-Republican will feature stories on local landmarks that help make this area unique.