
The Rock County Veterans Memorial in front of the courthouse, Luverne, Minnesota. That’s a restored Civil War cannon.
FROM THE VETERANS MEMORIAL fronting the Rock County Courthouse to the next door Rock County Veterans Memorial Building—which houses the Herreid Military Museum and more—to the Minnesota Veterans Home and the town’s star role in the Ken Burns’ World War II documentary, The War, Luverne honors and respects veterans unlike any other rural Minnesota community.
That’s my impression, anyway, after a visit this summer to Luverne, tucked into the extreme southwestern corner of my state.
You cannot help but feel awed by the patriotism that exists here.

A statue titled “Poppies” personalizes this memorial as do the names of some 1,600 veterans engraved in pavers.
And because sometimes a picture is truly worth a thousand words, allow me to show you a snippet of the ways in which Luverne honors veterans:

The 1900 former Rock County Jail and sheriff’s home today is the Rock County Veterans Memorial Building. It houses the Herreid Military Museum, the Brandenburg Gallery and the Luverne Chamber of Commerce.

An overview of the Herreid Military Museum which pays tribute to Rock County residents who served their country in the military. A third-floor exhibit will open in 2014 featuring the story of war from Korea and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Today, Veterans Day, please remember our veterans and the sacrifices they made for our freedom.
FYI: Click here to learn more about the Rock County Veterans Memorial.
For more info on the Herried Military Museum, click here.
By clicking here, you will learn more about the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.
Click here to learn more about Ken Burns’ WWII documentary, The War.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Such a great reminder on Veteran’s day. I really like the statue of the old veteran, such intricate details on his care-wore face, and I also love the quote, “God has taken them unto himself” simply said and so true. God bless those who are, and who have, served our country.
I feel exactly as you do about the face and the quote. And our veterans.
What a beautiful tribute to our veterans. My Dad was in the war and served in
France. My heart goes out to all the families of veterans. Loved the statue of the old veteran, such personality in the face of the veteran. Thanks for sharing.
And thank you to your dad for serving our country.
Sadly, Veterans Day has all but slipped into merely a designation on the calendar!! Houston had a wonderful program that made it on the La Crosse TV station. The town of Luverne has never been one we’ve stopped in except for gas on our way to the Black Hills. I really appreciate your insight into their special values. Hugs……
Small towns like Houston often offer the most moving programs. Next time plan on some time to check out Luverne. I have more posts yet to publish from our visit there this past summer.
I look forward to future posts………..
What a beautiful building. It is a good thing to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice on Remembrance Day. So many young lives xx
Yes, we should always remember those personal sacrifices for country.
That is very cool.
And not all that far from you. Lots of interesting things to see in Luverne.
Very nice tribute and set of photos. My favorite is the second to the last. B&W is perfect.
Thanks, Ryan. B&W can be more powerful than color sometimes.