Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven has announced an agreement in principle with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a Veterans Memorial Center at the Fargo National Cemetery (FNC). The agreement follows efforts by Hoeven, VA Secretary Doug Collins, and local groups to secure approval for a facility that matches the standards of the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

The new center will provide up to 6,734 square feet of usable space, following a conceptual design created by ICON Architects and the community working group. Features will include an indoor committal shelter, gathering area for families and friends, gallery honoring veterans’ service, office space for VA staff, breakroom for Honor Guard members, indoor restrooms, and a garage for a hearse.

Hoeven formed a working group to ensure the FNC meets the needs of veterans and their families. The project is moving into its final design phase and will be incorporated into a broader master plan for developing all 35 acres of the cemetery. The master plan includes improved access, parking, and other infrastructure enhancements.

Additional land was secured after Hoeven’s earlier efforts to expand the cemetery by 30 acres and improve existing facilities. After finalizing the design, construction will begin. Once complete, the facility will be donated to the VA for ongoing operation and maintenance. The VA will continue funding staffing and upkeep while also covering further cemetery development costs.

“Securing this agreement in principle will enable us to build a Veterans Memorial Center that, when combined with the enhancements the VA is making in the master plan, will provide an incredible cemetery worthy of our veterans. This federal cemetery will serve not only veterans in North Dakota, but in western Minnesota and South Dakota,” said Senator Hoeven. “We appreciate VA Secretary Collins, as well as Darrell Owens, Jon Lauder and Don Bergin for working with us to agree on a plan that will result in a Veterans Memorial Center consistent with the design and overall square footage submitted by the Honor Guard. Combined with the increased acreage and other infrastructure being developed by the VA, this project will make the FNC a worthy resting place for our veterans, on par with the state-run veterans cemetery in Mandan. We were able to get there due to all groups being willing to come together and find a collaborative, community-drive solution that will ultimately benefit veterans and their families for years to come.”

The project uses partnerships among federal agencies, state officials, private donors, and nonprofit organizations—an approach similar to regional flood protection initiatives.

Under plans developed by Hoeven’s working group, Fargo Memorial Honor Guard was designated as responsible for building the center through its 501(c)(3) status since October. Financial oversight is managed via Impact Foundation.