The Road of Honor project in the Keokuk National Cemetery, Iowa, was started eight years ago when a committee started working on getting the street repaved to become a respectable path for families to visit loved ones in the cemetery, and to be more respectful to the veterans taking their last ride before burial. 

The town of Keokuk was home to five military hospitals during the Civil War. The need to give soldiers a proper burial led to the cemetery being created after the town donated a portion of land for the cause. It is the only national cemetery in Iowa, and the first west of the Mississippi River. The road honors the loyalty and dedication to soldiers who came before us. 

At the ribbon cutting ceremony for the road, Mayor Kathie Mahoney, an Auxiliary member, said the street isn’t paved with just concrete, but paved with gratitude and respect to veterans. The road is a tribute to all who have served or will serve.  

The road and cemetery will also serve to educate future generations about the debt owed to all buried in the cemetery. 

With the new Road of Honor, the community can now visit the national cemetery and their loved ones who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.