Hartington made quite an impression on visitors here last week

Hartington got a chance to show off Saturday when the long-awaited and much anticipated veterans memorial was unveiled.

And this little community of about 1,600 people did not disappoint.

People from across the country came out to take part in dedication ceremonies for the new Hartington Veterans’ Memorial. The event was covered by TV, radio and newspapers from three states. Nothing but positive comments were heard from those in attendance and from the media covering the event.

The expansive downtown memorial features six granite slabs with the names of 1,060 area veterans who served from the Civil War to the present.

In all, the memorial contains 30 granite monuments and five granite benches, along with a donors’ board, two kiosks, a lighted archway with back-lit lettering and pillars, a mural of Iwo Jima and three flag poles.

Cedar County has long been known as a very patriotic corner of the state.

Coleridge, Wynot and Randolph all spent considerable time and money to build veterans memorials in the last few years.

The Hartington memorial is a stark reminder of the sacrifices veterans have made to keep this country safe. It’s also a perfect example of just what Hartington residents can do when they are faced with a challenge.

A lot of people would have dropped the project with all the challenges organizers faced.

Just making the lot suitable for such a large monument was a challenge in itself. Throw in the Coronavirus Pandemic, supply chain shortages and inflation, and you quickly realize it’s a miracle this memorial was ever built.

Congratulations Hartington, and area veterans. This new monument is truly something that should make us all proud.