IOWA

The Iowa Veterans Cemetery is Iowa’s official state cemetery dedicated to honoring military veterans and their eligible family members. Located near Van Meter and Adel, just west of Des Moines, it sits on scenic rolling hills overlooking the Raccoon River Valley, providing a peaceful and respectful setting.

Operated by the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, the cemetery is open to veterans with honorable discharges as well as their spouses and dependents, and Iowa residency is not required. It offers both traditional casket burials and cremation options, with no cost for veterans and a modest fee for family members, including a government-issued headstone and perpetual care.

Established in 2008 after planning began in 2004, the cemetery spans about 100 acres and features committal shelters for services rather than graveside ceremonies. It also hosts annual events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Wreaths Across America, and includes memorials like the Fallen Heroes Memorial, which recognizes Iowans killed in action after 9/11.

The cemetery is the resting place for veterans from multiple wars and eras, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recent conflicts. While it does not have many widely famous burials, it emphasizes equal recognition and respect for all who served, similar in purpose to Arlington National Cemetery.