Members of American Legion Heeren-McHale-Wilken Post #724 at Brunsville served approximately 620 people at their pancake breakfast Sunday at the Legion Hall. The breakfast was a fundraiser for the Brunsville Area Veterans Memorial which will be dedicated on Memorial Day 2008. [Click to enlarge]

A memorial to veterans will be in place by Memorial Day 2008 in the town of Brunsville through the efforts of American Legion Heeren-McHale-Wilken Post #724 and the area residents.

The Brunsville Area Veterans Memorial will feature a centerpiece engraved with the name of the memorial, the American Legion post's name, and the words "Saluting Those Who Proudly Served." On either side stones will be set behind the centerpiece, with the names of Brunsville area veterans engraved on them.

"We already have 227 names to engrave on the stones," said post adjutant Jim Marienau. More names can be be added.

Each name represents a $125 donation, either from the veteran, their family or friends.

This past Sunday, the legion post held the last pancake breakfast of the season, and designated the funds raised to go to the veterans memorial.

The post usually serves 360 to 400 during the monthly breakfasts from November through March. Sunday they served approximately 620.

"We get very good support from the community," Marienau said. Support for the memorial project was no different.

Marienau noted the three Brunsville area 4-H members who put together a citizen project to raise funds to engrave a veteran's name on the memorial because there was no longer a family member to contact or were financially unable to do so. Their efforts, bake sales at each pancake breakfast, plus donations from their two clubs and the local churches, netted enough money to put 10 names on the memorial.

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The Legion also received donations from individuals and businesses, the town of Brunsville and several grants to ensure the memorial became a reality.

The memorial will be located on a vacant lot owned by the city of Brunsville, across the street from the Legion Hall.

"It's a nice open spot, right along Main Street where people can see it," Marienau said. "We have the support of the town for this project."

After the memorial is in place, the legion plans to add three flagpoles to the area, and do some landscaping.

Donations are being accepted for the veterans memorial. Checks should be made payable to "Brunsville Area Veterans Memorial" and send to Jim Marienau at 14216 K-42, Le Mars, Iowa 51031. Donations are tax deductible.