Exclusive look of the reimagined Fargo National Cemetery

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – There are plans to remodel the Fargo National Cemetery, and the ones behind it have given us an exclusive look at their reimagining for the area. 35 acres of land was transferred to Veteran Affairs in early January, which has accelerated the project as they now prepare to get the facility up and running.

“To see this thing finally completed would be a dream come true for many people out there.” said Tom Krabbenhoft, the spokesperson of the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard. “Going to be right in this area we believe when it’s all said and done. And then the chapel part that you will see will actually come face this way. And we’re hoping to have it centered with the flag pole here. And see the whole thing. And then we can get a break in the fence where we can bring in the remains and wheel them in and wheel them out kind of thing. Our facility too is going to be large enough for a casket to pull in and we can do a ceremony inside the building before they come out before the VA burial.” 

This will also include bathrooms. Bathrooms have been a hot button topic over the years at the cemetery. In July 2022, United Patriotic Bodies Commander Jason Hicks was suspended from volunteering at the National Cemetery for six months by VA officials. It was based on claims of intimidation and harassment in opposing the vault toilet proposal. But that is in the past as This whole project is privately funded according to Tom Krabbenhoft of the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard. 

“We are very proud to say that we are doing this with private funds,” said Krabbenhoft. “We are not accepting any money from the government. We don’t have any state money coming in. We just did it with private funds. We’ve done all kinds of different things to raise that money.”

“VA is responsible for any construction or changes to Fargo National Cemetery. We appreciate our partners in the community who are excited about what the future holds for this property and the Veterans of the Fargo-area.” said the VA in a statement.

The plan is to break ground in the spring.