The cemetery is anchored on the southwest by the Veterans’ Memorial dedicated on Memorial Day, 2012. Bertram Post #276 of the American Legion planned the memorial and raised more than $50,000 to cover its cost. It was designed by Ruisch Granite of Sioux Falls.
The center granite pillar bears an etching of the United States flag and the inscription: “Ireton Area Veterans Memorial” “In Memory Of Those Who Have Served And Sacrificed For God and Country” “You Are Not Forgotten”. Bertram Post 276 is inscribed at the top of the pillar. To the left of the center pillar are pillars representing World Wars I and II and to the right are pillars representing Korea and Vietnam. The pillars bear the seals of the United States Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. The east side also refers to Lebanon, Granada, Panama, the Gulf War and the War on Terrorism. The east side of the center pillar bears an etching of an eagle in flight and a quote from John 15:13: “Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That He Lay Down His Life For His Friends.”
The Veterans Memorial honors all Ireton Area Veterans but is not engraved with the names of individuals; however, the Ireton Area Historical Society has created a “Military History” page with links to a list of more than 700 Ireton area veterans and photos of more than 570 of them. As you view the Memorial, we hope that you will reflect upon their service and sacrifices.
