American Veterans Memorial Park Founder Toufong Lor, announced last week that the organization closed the deal for a 95-acre land south of Cannon Falls, Minnesota in Goodhue County.
The purchased land will be turned into one of the largest Veterans Memorial Parks in the country. The groundbreaking ceremony for the land was held last May 7, Saturday, starting the construction project for this summer.
Built through different phases, the project is envisioned to become a destination attraction. The memorial park will eventually feature miles of bike and hike trails, an RV park, a 200-thousand square feet banquet hall, and an education center. It will also be open all year round for veterans’ holiday memorials, weddings, and reunions reservations.
The center will also display war artifacts and have a small theatre with a seating capacity of 250 for speakers and presentations. Additionally, developers will commission the creation of 11 U.S. war memorial monuments strategically scattered around the property.
The first-ever Hmong Soldier War Memorial is also planned to pay tribute and honor all Hmong-Americans who paid the ultimate sacrifice in battle.
Phase two of the project will bring athletic fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, ball courts, and on-site hotel development.
“This is a project I am extremely proud about,” said Toufong Lor. “This will be a place for all people. We fully expect people from all over the world to visit.”
“My father is my hero. His sacrifices helped to give me and my six brothers a better life,” said Toufong Lor. “There are so many soldiers who gave up so much to ensure American freedom. I hope this park is a place people go to learn and remember those sacrifices.”
The project is set south of Cannon Falls, a community 40-minutes away from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Officials said they were “excited” about the project’s impact on the community.
U.S. Air Force veteran and Cannon Falls Mayor Jon Atlhoff said he is looking forward to the project taking shape. “We expect this park will put our community on the map and bring people to town,” he said. “The scope of the project is robust, and its mission is sincere.”
City Administrator Neil Jensen said he believes the park will bring more visitors and allow them to explore everything Cannon Falls has to offer.
“The economic impact for Cannon Falls is going to be tremendous,” he said. “The plans for this project will make what’s happening here a destination.”
Toufong Lor is confident the park will be incredibly unique, with the completion possibly taking some time.
“This is a labor of love and a tribute to all veterans,” he said. “We cannot wait to transform this property into a venue for all people. It is something that will enhance the area greatly.”
This article originally appeared on Yahoo! Finance.
Get ready to be captivated by the Veterans Memorial Park in Cannon Falls, as it will also feature a remarkable amphitheater for cultural events and performances, solidifying its status as a center for community gatherings and entertainment. Moreover, the park will offer engaging historical exhibits and storytelling opportunities, providing visitors with a deep and absorbing educational experience about the sacrifices and contributions of veterans. I am personally thrilled about the positive impact this project will have on the community.
I’m inspired too! The historical exhibits and storytelling will truly bring the sacrifices and contributions of veterans to life. Have you thought about how you could get involved in supporting this impactful project?
Did you catch that the Veterans Memorial Park in Cannon Falls will be epic? It’s got trails, an RV park, and honors Hmong soldiers. Can’t wait! 🌟🇺