Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven has announced an agreement in principle with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a Veterans Memorial Center at the Fargo National Cemetery (FNC). The agreement marks a step forward for a project that has involved collaboration between federal, state, and private partners.

The proposed center will offer up to 6,734 square feet of usable space. The design, developed by ICON Architects in coordination with a community working group led by Hoeven, includes an indoor committal shelter, gathering area for families and friends, gallery space to honor veterans’ service, office space for VA staff, breakroom facilities for Honor Guard members, indoor restrooms, and a garage suitable for a hearse.

Hoeven created the working group to ensure the FNC would meet the needs of veterans and their families. “Securing this agreement in principle will enable us to build a Veterans Memorial Center that, when combined with the enhancements the VA is making in the master plan, will provide an incredible cemetery worthy of our veterans. This federal cemetery will serve not only veterans in North Dakota, but in western Minnesota and South Dakota,” said Senator Hoeven. “We appreciate VA Secretary Collins, as well as Darrell Owens, Jon Lauder and Don Bergin for working with us to agree on a plan that will result in a Veterans Memorial Center consistent with the design and overall square footage submitted by the Honor Guard. Combined with the increased acreage and other infrastructure being developed by the VA, this project will make the FNC a worthy resting place for our veterans, on par with the state-run veterans cemetery in Mandan. We were able to get there due to all groups being willing to come together and find a collaborative, community-drive solution that will ultimately benefit veterans and their families for years to come.”

The next phase involves finalizing detailed designs as part of a broader master plan for developing all 35 acres of cemetery property. This master plan also includes improvements such as better access roads and parking facilities.

After completion of design work, construction is expected to begin. Once built, ownership of the facility will be transferred to the VA for ongoing operation and maintenance. The VA is responsible not only for staffing but also long-term upkeep.

Under plans developed by Hoeven’s working group, responsibility for constructing and donating commemorative works like this memorial center falls to local organizations—in this case, the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard. The Honor Guard was officially designated as lead builder last October; financial oversight is provided through partnership with Impact Foundation.