Groundbreaking ceremony held for Fargo National Cemetery expansion

FARGO (KVRR) — A groundbreaking ceremony is held for the Veterans Memorial Center at Fargo National Cemetery.

The improvements include bathrooms, a parking lot, and office space for VA staff along with the addition of 30 acres.

Money for the construction was secured from the state during the last legislative session, along with federal funds.

Several VIPs were in attendance including Sen. John Hoeven, Rep. Julie Fedorchak as well as area mayors.

The improvements are meant to address the needs of veterans, their families and volunteers.

Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs Capt. Sam Brown spoke at the event. He is a veteran and was wounded while serving in Afghanistan.

“We’re proud today to do the groundbreaking of the Veteran Memorial Center,” Brown said. “It will be a place where we don’t have to stand in the cold and the wind to comfort those families. The families who lost their loved ones. It is truly going to be a one-of-a-kind location.”

With the new construction, Fargo National Cemetery will increase in size from five acres to 35 acres.