Welcome Home, Soldier - A monument for all those who served
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The Arches overhead simply read:
"WELCOME HOME, SOLDIER." The purpose of this monument is to create a place where any family
member can truly welcome their soldier by having their name engraved on the granite. Many of our
soldiers were not fortunate enough to be brought home and buried on American soil.
As former Navy man Tennessee Montgomery said, "We will never get all of our soldiers back until the
ocean turns over and she hands them back to us." This is true of many of our soldiers; those bureid
abroad, those Missing in Action, and Prisoners of War.
Just because a soldier came back-doesn't mean he/she was welcomed home. this will be our final
gathering place- a place for all wandering souls to come home- a place for all families to honor their
soldiers.
At roughly the size of a football field,
the monument will include upwards of 400 total
flags, granite stones reserved for the placing of
veteran names, 14 Medal of Honor crosses for
Iowans receiving the prestigious award - and
their heroic stories, and 21 white granite crosses.
A flag representing every state will be flown, a
reflection pool will be placed in the center of the
names, a bell outside of them to be rung on
precious days. Along with many other tributes to
the many men and women who have been willing
to, and in some cases have, give the ultimate
sacrifices.
