Altura Memorial Park (Altura, MN)

While on my drive back to the Twin Cities from my day trip in Lanesboro, MN, I noticed many flags flying high to my left in a remote area on MN Highway 248. As I was driving by I thought, “I have to see what this is all about!” So, I turned the car around and made a stop and found myself in a memorial park, more specifically the Altura Memorial Park. Come along as I share what I saw and all that I learned about this very special memorial park.

Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC and the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation made donations of money and time partnering with the city of Altura to create the Altura Memorial Park. The objective of the park was to commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice through military service and as a first responder. On June 24, 2023, the city of Altura celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Altura Memorial Park, along with members of the local community, government officials, and military representatives (including the American Legion Post 90 and the St. Charles VFW Post 5603).

At the ceremony, the mayor of Altura, Mayor John Mask, stated, “A memorial park is a symbol of gratitude, appreciation, and respect towards the brave men and women who have served our country. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices these individuals have made to protect our freedoms and serves as a place of reflection and remembrance for our entire community. As the mayor of Altura, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to the veterans from our city by dedicating a park in their honor.”

Visitors to the park are welcomed by a five-foot granite stone marker shaped like the State of Minnesota at the park’s entry. The 3,080-square-foot park features a 200-foot walk, including a 12-foot-long wall listing veterans’ names guarded by male and female soldier statues. The park also includes over 55 granite plaques, various statues and monuments representing the different branches of the U.S. military (including the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard) and of all our nation’s conflicts, a Goldstar Mothers memorial, and monuments recognizing first responders (including firefighters and EMTs). The park also remembers some of Altura’s own that served in the military and shares the history of the city.

I am so thankful I came across the Altura Memorial Park, a place where I could stop and take some time to remember those who have served our country. Thank you for your service!

Resource:

Winona Post – June 6, 2023