The Iowa Veterans Memorial Walkway is set to become a permanent tribute to the men and women who have served our nation. Located on Expo Hill at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, the walkway will showcase a series of engraved bricks that families, friends and supporters can personalize for a $100 contribution to the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
How the brick program works
Donors may choose to have a veteran’s name, branch of service, rank, or a brief message of remembrance etched onto a brick. Each brick will be installed along the newly‑constructed pathway, creating a living record of Iowa’s military heritage. The program is open to anyone who wishes to honor an Iowa veteran, whether the individual is a World War II hero, a recent overseas deployer or a beloved family member who served in the National Guard.
Features of the memorial
In addition to the engraved bricks, the walkway will be illuminated with modern lighting that highlights the names after dark, ensuring the tribute is visible both day and night. A military‑flag display will also be positioned at the entrance, reinforcing the patriotic purpose of the site.
Supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation
The $100 donation goes directly to the Blue Ribbon Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans’ programs throughout Iowa. Funds will be used to maintain the walkway, cover installation costs and support other veteran‑focused initiatives sponsored by the foundation.
Ordering deadline and next steps
Interested donors must submit their brick orders by March 31, 2027. Detailed instructions, including a printable order form and contact information for the foundation, are available on the Iowa State Fairgrounds website. Once the deadline passes, the bricks will be manufactured and installed in phases, with the first section expected to open to the public in early 2028.
Community response
Local veterans groups and families have praised the project as a meaningful way to keep the sacrifices of Iowa’s service members front‑and‑center in the state’s most visited public space. “This walkway gives our community a place to remember and honor those who have defended our freedoms,” said a spokesperson for the Iowa Veterans Association. “It also provides a tangible way for families to create a lasting legacy for their loved ones.”
The memorial aligns with Iowa’s long‑standing tradition of supporting its veterans, complementing existing programs such as the Iowa Veterans Home and the annual Veterans Day ceremonies held at the state capitol. By integrating the walkway into the fairgrounds, the state ensures that visitors from across the region will encounter the tribute during one of Iowa’s biggest annual events.
Visit the walkway
When the project is complete, the Iowa Veterans Memorial Walkway will be open year‑round, free to the public. Visitors will be able to walk the path, read the engraved names and reflect on the contributions of Iowa’s service members. The site will also serve as a gathering place for future commemorative events, including wreath‑laying ceremonies and veteran reunions.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
