On the edge of Becker, Minnesota, an apple orchard serves as the Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Veterans Memorial, honoring more than 6,000 American service members who lost their lives in these wars. 

Created by Mark and Linda Hoffmann almost a decade ago, this peaceful site transforms the orchard into a place of remembrance and gratitude.

The most striking feature of the Memorial is the display of handcrafted dog tags, each one representing a fallen soldier. These tags are carefully hung on the orchard’s fence, grouped by the home state of each hero. Every tag bears the service member’s name, branch, age at death, country where they died, date of death, and state, creating a powerful and personal tribute. The gentle clinking of the tags in the breeze serves as a moving reminder of their sacrifice.

Surrounding the quiet beauty of apple trees, the memorial stands as a powerful symbol of reflection and honor. The Memorial’s presence in the community serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and the lives given in service to our country.

With all states represented among the tags and a guidebook in progress to help families locate loved ones, the Memorial is a lasting testament to those who served and sacrificed. 

To learn more or honor these heroes from afar, visit the Memorial’s website at iraqafghanveteranmemorialmn.org.