New Riverside veterans memorial dedicated

Veteran Army Spc. Martin Furman of Iowa City said he felt a combination of sadness and pride on Veterans Day.

But it was mostly pride, he said.

To honor the fallen and pay tribute to all military men and women, about 150 people attended a dedication ceremony Wednesday for a new veteran memorial Wednesday after hearing patriotic songs, prayers and speeches on the importance of the day.

“We cannot take for granted those that wear the uniforms,” Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, said. “It's remembering those who served before us, those at the moment, and those who will serve in the future.”

Christine Kirkwood, chairwoman of the Riverside Veteran Memorial Park Committee, said she was “blown away” by the support that went into ensuring the project was finished.

“The message of veterans will be loud and clear,” she said.

As the colorful flags displaying the emblems of each branch of the military waved in the wind and salutes were shot, some observers wiped away tears.

Lt. Gen. Ron Dardis said the memorial is a great tribute honoring some of the best citizens Iowa has to offer.

“Today's warriors are also today's veterans,” he said, before taking a moment of silence for the victims of the Fort Hood shootings in Texas last week.

“We must always remember those who have served and died,” he said.