Veterans group hopes to create a new Veterans Memorial in Decorah

There currently is a veterans monument on the grounds of the Winneshiek County Courthouse, but even veterans admit they "hardly ever see anyone there."

Decorah resident Glenn Larson says that's why local veterans are talking with the City of Decorah about creating a new veterans memorial.  Larson and a number of other veterans met Monday night with city officials to discuss the possibilities.

Local veterans say they've been working on the idea for a couple of years.  They're proposing the memorial be located in front of Decorah City Hall.  But city officials proposed a second option on Monday night--using city-owned property on East Water Street between Reagan Chiropractic and the Fjelstul Funeral Home.  The city's Visioning Committee wants to convert that area into a space which could serve as the eastern start of downtown Decorah.

The two sides discussed both options Monday night, but made no decisions.  Committee chair Dan Bellrichard told the veterans that work would need to be done on selecting a location, but as for the concept, "We're supportive of this."