Examples of the Kalona Memorial bricks; photo courtesy of the City of Kalona

Efforts to raise money for the Kalona Memorial project have been progressing, and the city is approximately 76% of the way to their goal, according to Kalona City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh. The bulk has been donated through the commemorative brick fundraiser, where people or organizations can purchase a personalized brick to be placed in the memorial. Schlabaugh says the project budget is between $55,000 and $60,000, and they’ve had a steady flow of brick purchases since they announced the fundraiser earlier this year.

In addition to the fundraising efforts, the project will be receiving local aid. Schlabaugh explains, “We’re working with contractors right now. A lot of them have wanted to do in-kind (work) to be able to support the project in the way that they see fit. So we’ve had a lot of in-kind donations to go to this project to make it a reality.”

The memorial will be three black granite slabs, which will have the emblems of all branches of the armed forces, as well as a quote, which can be voted on by the public. On the backside of the slabs, there will be an etched American flag. There will also be bronze sculptures of a fire helmet and medical bag, created by Max-Cast of Kalona, to pay tribute to volunteer firefighters and paramedics. Schlabaugh hopes the project will be completed in time for a ribbon cutting ceremony during Kalona Days on June 17th. For more information about the Kalona Memorial project, to vote on the quote, or to purchase a commemorative brick, click on the link below.

https://kalonamemorial.wordpress.com/