VFW members planning memorial to honor local veterans

A veterans memorial more than five years in the making is gaining steam, and they are now looking for the first set of names to be memorialized.

About five or six years ago, a New Vienna veteran, Fred Westhoff, came up with an idea to memorialize all their local veterans. Now that idea is turning into a reality.

When the VFW in New Vienna first presented the idea to their city council, they were hoping to add a memorial to a new fire station. But construction on that station has been delayed.

Because of the delay, the city council donated a plot of land to the VFW to construct a veterans memorial.

What started as an idea to recognize New Vienna veterans grew quickly.

"A veteran to us is a veteran," said Bob McCabe, a co-chair of the All Veterans Memorials. "And we want everyone. And it can be from Dubuque County, Clayton, Delaware, Jackson, Jones... we're making it wide open."

They hope to recognize veterans living or deceased, active or retired.

They are accepting names from families until April 1.

It may just look like a snow covered piece of land for now, but to the men from the New Vienna VFW, it is their opportunity.

In the eyes of these men, service members give up a lot to defend our country, and they deserve recognition.

They said when the memorial is finally finished, they will be filled with emotions.

"I'm a Vietnam veteran," said McCabe. "I'll probably get the chills but it's a long time coming."

"Well I think I'll really be really excited when we get this done and just know that all the veterans are getting some recognition around here," Roger Osterhaus, a co-chair of the All Veterans Memorials said.

Those involved said they are about 30 percent towards their goal in having the funds they need. They also said they are off to a great start and expect to hit their mark.

They are planning to dedicate the memorial on Veterans Day, November 11.

The cost to add a name to the memorial is $125. They are also accepting donations.

If you are interested in applying to have a veteran added to the memorial, contact Bob McCabe, Fred Westhoff, Roger Osterhaus, or Gerry Westhoff at the New Vienna VFW.

VFW Post 7736 can be reached at (563) 921-2204.