A photo display of fallen Iowa soldiers that’s been touring the state is the inspiration for a special event in Perry Sunday. V.F.W. Post 2060 quartermaster, Gordon Klatt, says the “Remembering our Fallen” display is currently being shown at the library in downtown Perry.
Klatt says the display honors all of the Iowans who have died since 9-11 in Iraq and Afghanistan and was created by Bill and Evan Williams of Omaha. The display made its debut in Adel in May, spent some time at the state capitol, and has been moving around the state. Klatt says when they found out the display would be in Perry on “Goldstar Mothers Day” on Sunday, they wanted to do something special.
He says they decided to think big and invited all of the Goldstar families to an event. The Patriot Guard Riders will escort the families to lunch at the high school and then to a program in the new Perry performing arts center. Klatt says the event has special significance for Perry as native son Josh Davis was killed about one year ago while serving with the Marines.
He says Davis’ father was so impressed by the Patriot Guard at his son’s funeral that he later joined the group. Klatt says they have a simple goal for the event. “We hope this to be a healing and inspirational program for the families,” Klatt said.
He says they’ve heard from some 120 family members of the fallen soldiers that plan to attend the event. Klatt says they are also holding a fundraiser. Klatt says the Greater Des Moines Fund offers scholarships to the children of the soldiers who have died and he says the money they raise will help support that fund. He says you can send checks to the Raccoon Valley Bank, P.O. Box 129, Perry, Iowa 50220.
The donations are tax deductible. Klatt says the photo display will be in Perry through Sunday and is open from one until five p.m. The event Sunday begins at two p.m. and the public is invited to attend. You can find more information on the “Remembering Our Fallen” display here: www.rememberingourfallen.org.