Race is on to Build Memorial Before Veteran Dies

After more than a decade of heartache and strife a desired veterans memorial is close to becoming a reality. The effort started years ago and required strange bedfellows to unite.

Veterans in northeast Minneapolis began raising money to build a memorial. Besides a funding issue, the group had no place to build what it wanted.

At the same time, the Sheridan Neighborhood Organization was pushing a project of its own.
The neighborhood is one of the only neighborhoods left in the city without a developed park. For years neighbors worked to build green space to no avail. However, once the Sheridan Neighborhood Organization and veterans joined forces things started to change.

Land was acquired, grants were awarded, and the City of Minneapolis backed the joint effort. Now a neighborhood park complete with a veterans memorial will soon be a reality.

The veteran who originally spearheaded the effort died before his dream came to fruition. Now, the 84-year-old veteran who took over the fundraising effort hopes he lives long enough to see the project completed.

The park and memorial are expected to be completed in about a year.

Tweet