Armstrong signs bill to open path for funding for new Veterans Memorial Center
BISMARCK – Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Friday signed a bill that opens a path for up to $3 million in state funding for the development of a Veterans Memorial Center at Fargo National Cemetery.
Senate Bill 2265, introduced by Sen. Scott Meyer, R-Grand Forks, and co-sponsored by Sens. Randy Burckhard, R-Minot; Kathy Hogan, D-Fargo; Larry Luick, R-Fairmount; and Ron Sorvaag, R-Fargo; and Rep. Austen Schauer, R-West Fargo, was signed during a ceremony that also included U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and members of the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard.
Amenities of the proposed facility, as outlined by a release from Hoeven’s office, include a gathering area to be used by family and friends of the deceased veteran prior to or following interment; a gallery to showcase the lives and service of veterans; offices for Veterans Administration staff; a break room for Honor Guard members; indoor restrooms; a garage to accommodate a hearse; and a parking lot.
"The passage of SB 2265 sends an important message to veterans and their families: We care. We care about you while serving. We care about you when you leave the military, and ultimately, we care for you when your times comes to end. Our goal is to bring the Fargo National Cemetery to the same high standard as the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan. That is a high bar, but attainable when we work together to achieve it.”
-Rep. Austen Schauer