In a solemn yet joyous occasion, the area’s new Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Veterans Memorial dedication was held last Saturday with hundreds of dog tags glinting in the sunlight and chiming gently in the breeze.

The memorial, which is located at Lee & Rose Peterson Apple Orchard outside of Becker, honors members of the armed forces who gave their lives in service to the United States as part of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The memorial was started two and a half years ago by Mark and Linda Hoffman. Mark Hoffman spent his 27 year Army career with Special Forces, and was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, spending three years in Iraq. The couple live in Vermont, Lee Peterson is Linda’s brother.

The couple’s son, Larry, has been serving for 16 years, including four years in Afghanistan and Iraq; he’s currently stationed in Afghanistan.

With the Monticello VFW color guard standing at attention along with members of the Clear Lake and Becker Legions, Hoffman addressed the crowd, explaining why he had begun the memorial and how it was being created. Each fallen veteran is honored with a personalized dog tag that includes his name, branch served, war of service, age at death and date of death.

The tags are placed on the fence surrounding the apple trees in the Lee Peterson Apple Orchard. Peterson donated the spot for the memorial. The dog tags are organized by state, with the fallen veterans from each state hung underneath.

So far over 2,000 of the 6,000+ tags have been completed and hung on the fence. It takes 10 minutes to make each tag, which are created by hand stamping each individual letter. Although there are faster methods available, this way was chosen as the most honorable way to take time and recognize each veteran.

Currently there are three people, including Hoffman, working on the tags. The only requirement is one must be a veteran. They come out twice a year to place completed tags on the fence.

“It’s like a living memorial,” said Hoffman. “It will go on until the wars are over. So far we have 20 states represented and we will continue until there aren’t any more tags needed.”

The apple orchard was chosen as the spot for the memorial because of its beauty and peacefulness.

“Think about a vet who gave everything he could for all of us,” said Hoffman. “It represents peace and quiet for them.”

Larry Herke, commissioner of the Minnesota Dept. of Veterans Affairs, was in attendance representing Minnesota Governor Walz. 

“A service member actually dies two deaths,” said Herke. “The first is when they die, and the second is when they’re forgotten. It’s important that we don’t forget. They gave the ultimate sacrifice. It’s right for us to take the time today and remember them.”

The memorial includes a bench created by veteran Ralph Katka and donated by an anonymous couple. Engraved on it are the branches of the military and the words, ‘Their Ultimate Sacrifice for America.’ Inside the fence is a memorial statue representing a cross and a flag.

“It’s awesome,” said Becker Legion Commander John Riebel of the memorial.

“After talking to Mark, I got the feeling he had an overwhelming feeling to do something for his comrades,” said Clear Lake Legion Adjutant Bud Stimmler. “He’s driven from inside to remember them and those beyond. His conviction and dedication to his comrades is remarkable.”

More information on the memorial can be found on its website, IraqAfghanVeteranMemorialMN.org. The memorial is made possible entirely by donations, information on donating to the 501c3 non-profit organization is also on the site. All donations go to the Sherburne State Bank in Becker and are dedicated entirely to the memorial.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Veterans Memorial is located at Lee & Rose Peterson Tree Farm on 149th Ave. To visit, send an email or call the phone number listed on the website to set up a date and time.