An illustration of what the Kalona Memorial will look like; photo courtesy of the Kalona Memorial Facebook page

The City of Kalona has collected approximately 90% of the money they need to fully fund their memorial project. The majority of the money has come from the commemorative brick fundraiser, where people or organizations can purchase a personalized brick to be placed in the memorial. City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh has been pleased with all the community support, which includes local contractors and businesses expressing a desire to provide in-kind labor for the project, “We’re trying to get all that lined up, so that we can get the best project for the funds that we’re going to have available. Everything’s been ordered, and we’re plugging away. Our goal is to have a ribbon cutting on June 17th, which is Kalona Days. So hopefully we can hit that mark and people can see a nice little project there at the corner of C (Avenue) and 6th Street.”

People can still purchase bricks for the project. The memorial will be three black granite slabs with the emblems of all branches of the armed forces, and there will be an etched American flag. Additionally, there will be a quote by President Harry Truman, which was selected by the public. The final part of the Memorial will be bronze sculptures of a fire helmet and medical bag, created by Max-Cast of Kalona, to pay tribute to volunteer firefighters and paramedics. For more information about the Kalona Memorial project, click the link below.

The quote selected to be on the memorial is: “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – President Harry Truman.

https://kalonamemorial.wordpress.com/