Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Redwood Falls
| Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Redwood Falls | |
|---|---|
Interactive map of Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Redwood Falls | |
| Details | |
| Established | 2023 |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 44°32′20.299″N 95°02′51.883″W / 44.53897194°N 95.04774528°W |
| Type | Public |
| Owned by | MN Dept of Veteran Affairs |
| Size | 81 acres (33 ha)[1] |
| Website | Official |
| Find a Grave | Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Redwood Falls |
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Redwood Falls is an active cemetery east of Redwood Falls, Minnesota, United States. The facility includes an administration and maintenance building and a committal shelter designed by Bentz Thompson Rietow.[2] Federal funds of $12-16 million were granted to build the cemetery. This cemetery, maintained by the State of Minnesota, includes the graves of many military service members and their family members. At full capacity, the cemetery should accommodate 20,000 plots.[1]
The Redwood Falls cemetery was the fourth and latest cemetery constructed. Previous construction included the Little Falls cemetery, Preston cemetery, the Duluth cemetery.[3]
History
In 2012, plans began to establish a military cemetery in southwest Minnesota.[4]
In October of 2019, Congressman Colin Peterson notified the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs of an initial $5.9 million grant to begin construction on their donated land.[4]
In 2021, construction started on the new cemetery.[1]
In the Summer of 2023, the cemetery construction was completed.[4]
On 7 August 2023, the first veteran, Richard LeSage, was laid to rest in the new cemetery.[1]
Twelve days later, the cemetery conducted its official opening ceremony.[2]
Notable Intments
- SP5 Richard LeSage (First cemetery interment [07 Aug 2023], Vietnam War, US Army)
- 2LT Arthur W. "Art" LeSage Jr. (WWII, POW - escaped German captors, US Army)
- Maj Gen William C. Norris (Air Force Cross/Silver Star/Distinguished Flying Cross, WWII/Korean War/Vietnam War, USAF)
- LCpl Henry Edward Schanck (KIA [03 Jan 1968], Vietnam War, USMC)
Events
- Each May, Memorial Day programs honor fallen service members.[5]
- Each December, Honor Wreaths are placed on gravestones.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Tabachnick, Cara (11 November 2023). "A veteran donated land to build a military cemetery - and his brother became the first veteran to be buried there". CBS News. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
- 1 2 "Veterans Cemetery - Redwood Falls update: first burial tentatively set for July". KLGR. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
- ↑ "Memorials and Burials". State of Minnesota. Retrieved 14 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Redwood Falls". Wreaths for the Fallen. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
- ↑ "Redwood Falls State Veterans Cemetery to Host Memorial Day Ceremony Honoring Fallen Service Members". Marshall, MN: Marshall Radio. Retrieved 11 June 2026.