Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls
| Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery | |
|---|---|
Soldier places a wreath on grandfather's headstone at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. | |
| Details | |
| Established | 1994 |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 46°4′26.717″N 94°19′45.608″W / 46.07408806°N 94.32933556°W |
| Type | Public |
| Size | 37 acres (15 ha) |
| No. of graves | >10,000 |
| Website | Official |
| Find a Grave | Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery |
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery is an active cemetery located adjacent to the Camp Ripley Training Center seven miles north of Little Falls, Minnesota. This cemetery, maintained by the State of Minnesota, includes the graves of more than 10,000 military service members and their family members.[1]
History
In 1986, the Minnesota State Legislature authorized the construction of a state cemetery, as long as state funding was not required.[2] Around $18,900 ($40,096 in 2024) was raised to purchase 38 acres of land.[3] The land was deeded to the state in 1988, but no progress was made on the cemetery. The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association was incorporated in 1991, requested the land back from the state, and began fundraising and developing the land.[3][2] While not a state-run facility, the cemetery was authorized to bear the official name, and the Minnesota National Guard graded the land as a training exercise.[2][4] The cemetery was dedicated on July 9, 1994, by Governor Arne Carlson. The entire project cost an estimated $325,000.[3]
The cemetery was the first of four Minnesota state cemeteries.[5] The three other state veteran cemeteries are in Duluth, Preston, and Redwood Falls.
In 2011, the first of five military branch paintings were installed in the cemetery's Committal Hall.[6][7]
In 2021, the cemetery received the National Cemetery Administration's Operational Excellence Award for the highest standards in the nation.[8]
In 2024, the cemetery received a $1.4 mil expansion grant.[9]
Notable interments
- Colonel Larry J. Herke (Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, 2019–2023) [10]
- General John W. Vessey Jr. (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1982–1985)
Events
- Each May, Memorial Day programs honor fallen service members.[13]
- Each December, Honor Wreaths are placed on gravestones.[14]
Additional reading
References
- ^ Swantek, David (19 Aug 2024). "Little Falls Veterans Cemetery Receives Federal Grant". WJON. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ a b c Hanzliik, K. Darcy (6 September 1992). "Morrison vets follow through on cemetery plan". St. Cloud Times. p. 13. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ^ a b c "Veterans cemetery finally dedicated". The Forum. Associated Press. 10 July 1994. pp. A5. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ^ DuBois, John (10 October 1993). "The Gates of Honor". St. Cloud Times. p. 13. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ^ Gunderson, Dan (25 May 2025). "Events around the state remember fallen service members". Minnesota Public Radio. Minnesota News. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "Open house to honor veterans art project". Pine Journal. 10 Nov 2011.
- ^ Eler, Alicia (24 May 2019). "Calling it 'my Sistine Chapel,' painter puts final touches on a memorial to Minnesota veterans". Minnesota StarTribune. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ Judd, Jake (29 Mar 2022). "Little Falls Veterans Cemetery Honored with Prestigious Award". KNSI Radio. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ Swantek, David (19 Aug 2024). "Little Falls Veterans Cemetery Receives Federal Grant". WJON. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ Pomerenke, Leo (17 Sep 2024). "Former Minnesota veterans commissioner, who resigned after ALS diagnosis, dies at 61". MinnesotaStarTribune. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "A Partial History 135th Infantry Regiment". 34th Infantry Division Association. Allied Force Headquarters. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ "Singlestad Sylvester Donald "Don"". American War memorials Overseas, Inc. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ "Memorial Day Program at the Little Falls Veterans Cemetery". State of Minnesota. Dept of Veterans Affairs. 25 May 2025. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ Schwartz, Dave. "Veterans, families honored with Wreaths for the Fallen". SC Times. St Cloud Times. Retrieved 8 May 2025.