Sioux Center Memory Gardens War Memorial

15 flagpoles with American flags are set in a semi-circle around a taller flagpole and American flag in the center of the cement circular area. Each of the 15 flags memorialize a Sioux Center serviceman who was killed or died while serving in the armed forces, with his name etched in a granite marker in front of his flag, as well as the date, location and circumstances of his death and the final resting place of his body. The memorial is the focal point of the annual Memorial Day activities, as it is the final destination of the annual Memorial Day Parade and the site of the Memorial Day service following the parade. During the service each serviceman's name and circumstances of his death is read as his flag is lowered to half mast. The submitted photo was taken following a Memorial Day service, hence the flags at half mast. Originally the memorial simply constisted of an "eternal freedom flame" in a stone monument located in the cemetery, where the community gathered to commemorate Memorial Day each year. It is unknown when it was originally installed, but it was mentioned in newspaper reports as early as 1971. Then in May, 1976, the concrete circle and 14 flags were set in place around the eternal flame, and in 1989 the American Legion and VFW each paid $1000 to expand the area around it where Memorial Day services are held. Some time after that, due to its condition and in the interests of fuel conservation, the eternal flame was removed and replaced with the large central flagpole and American flag. Then in May of 1997 the granite markers were placed and dedicated on Memorial Day, May 26, 1997. Sadly a 15th flag and marker had to be added in May, 2006 to commemorate another war casualty. Most recently a viewing bench was added, the result of an Eagle Scout project.