The half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is shown at Siouxland Freedom Park in South Sioux City.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal file
Rick Skuya, an Army Vietnam War veteran from Sioux City, looks for a name on the memorial wall at Siouxland Freedom Park in South Sioux City, Neb., on Thursday. A group of Vietnam War veterans from Sioux City's 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron -- the unit now known as the 185th Air Refueling Wing -- toured the replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, one of many groups who are visiting prior to its May 28 dedication.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
A memorial statue honoring fallen U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class John Douangdara is shown on May 21, 2013. Douangdara, a South Sioux City native, and his dog, Bart, died Aug. 6, 2011, in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.Â
SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. | Along the banks of the Missouri River, across from Sergeant Floyd Monument, 55 acres of land are dedicated to those who have sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom.Â
Siouxland Freedom Park stands to ensure that those who’ve sacrificed will never be forgotten. The idea for the park came in Oct. 2007 after the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica "The Wall That Heals" drew more than 11,000 visitors. The positive reception inspired Freedom Park and gifted Sioux City with another special attraction.Â
Sioux City's Veterans Memorial Wall is the only replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall located in Washington, D.C. The 250-foot black granite half-scale wall is inscribed with over 58,000 names of soldiers who died in the Vietnam War. The wall was dedicated on May 28, 2014.Â
Soon visitors will be able to explore memorabilia illustrating the role of each branch of the military inside the pentagon-shaped Interpretive Center, designed by Matt Barstad. The center will also provide space for ceremonies and other traveling exhibits.Â
The John Douangdara Memorial War Dog Park opened in 2013 and has welcomed four-legged companions and their owners since. The park is named after U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class John Douangdara, who died on Aug. 6, 2011, when their helicopter crashed in Afghanistan. Douangdara handled a dog named Bart, who died with his master in the crash.Â
A clay statue of Douangdara and Bart, created by California sculptor Susan Bahary, watches over those who play on the park's five acres. Â
Future plans for the park include a laser light amphitheater, a family-friendly leisure space and walking trails.Â
Siouxland Freedom Park is located at 1101 Foundry Road, South Sioux City, Nebraska.Â
Rick Skuya, an Army Vietnam War veteran from Sioux City, looks for a name on the memorial wall at Siouxland Freedom Park in South Sioux City, Neb., on Thursday. A group of Vietnam War veterans from Sioux City's 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron -- the unit now known as the 185th Air Refueling Wing -- toured the replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, one of many groups who are visiting prior to its May 28 dedication.
A memorial statue honoring fallen U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class John Douangdara is shown on May 21, 2013. Douangdara, a South Sioux City native, and his dog, Bart, died Aug. 6, 2011, in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.Â
