Governor Tim Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar and other state and local officials joined us on Saturday, August 19th, 2023 for a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony at the newly created Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery.
About the Veterans Cemetery
The Redwood Falls State Veterans Cemetery has been in the works since 2009 but as we have learned, good things come to those who wait. The cemetery is a beautiful resting place for those who have served our country and Redwood Falls is proud to host their final resting place.
The Cemetery is slated to initially include the following:
- 150 pre-place crypts
- 750 in-ground cremation burial areas
- 1,080 columbarium niches
- 50 standard burial plots
How the Veterans Cemetery was Funded
The cemetery has been funded through a variety of supporting entities including the State of Minnesota from the National Cemetery Administration. This federal grant provided $11.2 million in funding for facility, site and burial infrastructure on 21.7 acres.
The State of Minnesota also financially contributed to this project. In 2021, an additional $4.5 million was received from the Minnesota State Legislature. Redwood County also received State funding to improve Noble Avenue.
Other State Veteran Cemeteries in Minnesota
There are currently four State Veteran Cemeteries located in Minnesota; Little Falls, Preston, Duluth and now Redwood Falls. Little Falls, Preston and Duluth have already served more than 10,000 Minnesota Veterans and their families.
Redwood Falls State Veterans Cemetery is slated to provide a final resting place for our Veterans for over 100 years worth of burial space.
First Veteran to Claim His Final Resting Place at Redwood Falls State Cemetery
Dick (Richard) LeSage left peacefully this earth on August 7th, 2020 from his cabin on Ice Cracking Lake. He proudly served his country in the Army for nearly three years. Dick was granted the honor of being the first interred at the Redwood Falls State Veterans Cemetery.
Local resident and brother, Bob LeSage, generously donated a portion of the land for the cemetery. Bob was honored by leading the pledge of allegiance at Saturday’s Dedication Ceremony.