Dad and Son Hit the Links at Iowa Veteran's Home

On top of the hill at Marshalltown's Iowa Veterans Home is a huge lawn decorated with war monuments, mature shade trees and war relics.  A new IVH resident of just 20 days was out swinging the clubs at a few golf balls aimed at a nearby "hole."  The new resident's son and staff caretaker accompanied him for the short outing.

This gentleman, a U.S. Navy veteran is also an accomplished golfer.  He hails from Eldon, Iowa, home of the house that served as the backdrop in the "American Gothic" painting  by Grant Wood.  Both the son and the golfer worked for the railroad (several companies) throughout the years. 

The golf "hole" at the top of the hill was the 70mm French artillery piece.  Our senior golfer came close a few times to the target - most likely on purpose.

Even the IVH caretaker gave golf a try. After listening to some quick advice she launched a few Titleists towards the French cannon.  Remember to keep your head down and slow down your backswing.  She did just fine for her first time out.

Just Ahead of Memorial Day 2015 at the Iowa Veterans Home

A recent visit to the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa provides a chance to see the gravesites of the men and women who have served this country through times of peace and at war. Whether they be from Iowa or elsewhere, their remains are buried at this cemetery in roughly chronological order. Some veteran's spouses are buried next to the service person rather than in time line fashion.

Just in this one image can you see the gravesites of veterans from the Indian Wars, Spanish American War, and World War I. I wonder what their life stories are all about? Other parts of the cemetery just yards away contain Civil War era veterans. Modern day veterans connected to Iowa are buried just over the hill from this location. As with many final resting places throughout the country the markers are decorated with small US flags for Memorial Day - in this case a week after I was there.