belle plaine veterans memorial park

We were on a tight schedule to get from Minneapolis to Beresford, SD in time for a family dinner. With a late start we had no time for tourist stops. We made a pit stop at the local Dairy Queen and picked up an Orange Julius and a snack and soon after getting back on Hwy.169 I noticed a beautiful park which at first glance appeared to be dedicated to military veterans. I made a quick right turn off of the highway and was very moved by this beautiful community tribute to the "Supreme Sacrifice" paid by many Belle Plaine residents in defense of this country. The walk through the park begins with the POW - MIA Trail which is lined with as many as 100 flag poles, each of which is dedicated to to a least one local veteran. Many of the poles have several dedication plaques. Vietnam Vets will take special notice of the UH-1A "Huey" Iroquois Helicopter on display. If you have the opportunity, make the stop and walk through the park. Veterans, their families and history buffs will have a particular interest here.