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Memorial honors fallen veterans

Dedication planned in Iola park

The dedication of the new Gold Star Recipients Memorial is set for Flag Day, Sunday, June 14, at Veterans Memorial Park in Iola.

Members of the American Legion Sheveland-Taylor Post 14 of Iola will dedicate the memorial featuring a bronze Fallen Soldier sculpture, which is represented by the helmet, rifle and boots and is known as the Battlefield Cross.

Also dedicated will be bronze plaques listing the Gold Star recipients, which will be featured on a large octagon base.

The dedication ceremony begins at 1 p.m., with music by Smokey Express starting at 12:30 p.m.

Sidewalks were recently installed to make it easier for the general public to be able to get to the existing monuments and the new memorial, especially those in wheelchairs or using walkers. Other improvements at the Veterans Memorial Park including a new sign, benches along the lake, new lighting and more.

The new memorial honors 20 servicemen from Iola, Scandinavia and Ogdensburg who lost their lives while serving their country in the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.

Those being honored from Iola are: Civil War – Joseph S. Burnham, Thomas Ginty, Peter O. Harstad, Soren Johnson; World War I – Clarence Strand, Martin Thorson; World War II – Elroy J. Olson, Donald E. Taylor, Lloyd Tschurwald; Korean War – Gordon Peterson; Vietnam War – Carl Dennis Ruenger.

Those honored from Scandinavia include: Civil War – Hans Gunderson, Soren Jacobson, Simon A. Myhre, Simon Peterson, Thomas Torstenson; World War I – Barney M. Sheveland; World War II – Charles Gottschalk, Clifford W. Torgerson.

Also included on the memorial is Hugh L. Phelps, of Ogdensburg, who served in World War II.

Other attendees will include the Patriot Guard Riders from the Fox Valley, veterans from King, plus military re-enactors in uniform representing the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.

The American Legion Sheveland-Taylor Post 14 Veterans Memorial Park is located in the 200 block of North Main Street, Iola.

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