Letter to the Editor:

Did you know that the Iowa Veterans Home currently has a memorial on their grounds for each of our major wars except for World War II? The members of the second Emerging Leaders Program at Grinnell Mutual want that to change and are currently raising funds to have a memorial built for World War II.

The Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) is currently home to over 500 veterans and some of their spouses. IVH is one of the largest of the 148 state-owned facilities for veterans in the nation. The IVH campus spans almost 150 acres, with four main resident care buildings. Currently, there are veterans of four (4) wars who reside at the Iowa Veterans Home including 77 veterans from World War II. According to the U.S. Veterans Administration, World War II veterans are dying at a rate of approximately 492 a day. Thus, there is no time to lose in getting a WWII memorial on the IVH home before those who served pass on and are not able to enjoy the memorial for their important service.

We have been informed that this memorial will cost approximately $20,000. The IVH has a bid for $12,000 for the granite and is expecting the engraving, lights and sidewalk to cost around $8,000. Any funds that we raise above this will go into a fund to be determined by the veterans at the IVH.

It is our hope that you will join us in helping the World War II veterans in obtaining a World War II Memorial for the Iowa Veterans Home grounds and will consider donating to this cause; this memorial is not only important to the current World War II residents of the IVH, but to all veterans who served and for the public to remember the service that was given by many. This memorial will honor those who fell, and to recognize the victory they achieved.

Donations made be made by sending a check made payable to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and should be sent to 1915 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309. The memo line should read Iowa Veterans Home WWII Memorial Fund.

You may also go to www.desmoinesfoundation.org/iowaveteranshome and donate with a credit or debit card. These donations are tax deductible.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kami Holmes

Grinnell