Johnston Veterans Memorial Set for Monday Dedication

Three flags fly high over the quaint memorial, just a short walk from the Johnston Public Library.

Two benches remind visitors of the sacrifices made in the past. Ahead, two stoic soldiers stand guard on either side of a stone pillar engraved with the emblems of each branch of the armed forces.

If you've been passed the recently you've noticed a new structure - Johnston's first veterans memorial.

The new Johnston veterans memorial, 6700 Merle Hay Road, will be dedicated at 10 a.m. Monday.

The dedication ceremony will include a 21-gun salute, "Taps", and guest speakers Johnston Mayor Paula Dierenfeld and Rep. Leonard Boswell.

The memorial became a reality after the disbandment of American Legion Post No. 728, community donations and the work of a teenager.

Jacob Mentele, 16, told the Des Moines Register he took on the project as an Eagle Scout project, working closely with Larry Sheesley, the former treasurer of Post No. 728.

Engraved on the monument is a dedication to all veterans, with a special recognition to those from the disbanded post.

“In the military we call it a mission. On that Monday when we say farewell, it will be the end of the mission (for Post No. 728),” Sheesley told the Register. “It’s about remembering those from the past and the future.”

While the Post has had declining participation, Sheesley told the Register the charter won't be retired and remaining members will receive a quarterly newsletter and continue to put flags on the headstones at local cemeteries.

Nearly $17,000 of the $18,000 it cost to create the memorial has been raised, but donations are still being accepted.