Central Mn Vietnam War Memorial
In Eastman Park at Lake George downtown St Cloud stands the Central Minnesota Vietnam War Memorial. Carved in granite, an American soldier and South Vietnamese soldier represent the 2 countries who fought side by side during the war, and above their heads flies their countries flags.
You'll never be forgotten, carved in granite, at the feet of the the 2 soldiers. The memorial was created due to the efforts of Hoa K. Nguyen, a former South Vietnamese military officer, who wanted to honor all those who fought for South Vietnam's freedom. There were 17 men from St Cloud MN who died while serving their country in the hopes that South Vietnam would one day be free. It was Nguyen who pursued his goal to make sure that there was a fitting tribute to those men.
The memorial is a collaboration of the knowledge and work of several people. Julie Gustafson did the original sketches of the two soldiers. Jim Bestick, who served in Vietnam, helped her with the details on the uniforms and the helmets. Glen Farb, an architect, designed the base for the monument. The Monument was then carved by Kollman Monumental Works, Inc in St Cloud.
The Minnesota POW/MIA Walk of Honor around the base of the monument is made up of memorial bricks that have messages about veterans. The information I was able to find states that the Chapter 290 Vietnam Veterans of America in St. Cloud is in charge of the memorial bricks. This monument is one of very few of its kind honoring both the American Soldiers and the South Vietnamese who fought along side each other.
There are several other memorials that have been placed in the area immediatly surrounding this memorial. St Cloud honors veterans, and we would like to thank all those who serve.
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