The Story Behind the Folded Flags Memorial on Veterans Parkway in West Des Moines
If you have driven along Veterans Parkway in West Des Moines, chances are you have noticed the glowing folded flags rising along the roadway. The installation is striking during the day, but at night it becomes one of the most recognizable memorial landmarks in Central Iowa.
Known as the “Folded Flags” memorial, this public art installation was created to honor veterans, remember sacrifice, and give the Veterans Parkway corridor a deeper meaning beyond transportation.
What Is the Folded Flags Memorial?
The memorial consists of 15 illuminated folded American flags positioned along Veterans Parkway. Each sculpture stands about 15 feet tall and represents the ceremonial folded flag traditionally presented to families during military funeral services.
The installation was designed to symbolize:
honor
sacrifice
remembrance
gratitude for military service
At night, the glowing blue and white structures create a quiet and reflective atmosphere for drivers, cyclists, and trail users passing through the area.
How the Memorial Came to Be
The Veterans Parkway corridor was originally planned as a major roadway connection through West Des Moines. During the planning process, city leaders wanted the corridor to include a meaningful tribute to veterans and military families.
In 2017, the City of West Des Moines gathered input from:
local residents
veterans groups
community stakeholders
city staff
From those conversations, the idea for the Folded Flags memorial was born.
The project became the first major public art installation connected to Veterans Parkway and was designed by Shive-Hattery with fabrication support from Nagle Signs.
Official Dedication
The Folded Flags memorial was officially dedicated on Flag Day, June 14, 2019.
The project was funded primarily through the City of West Des Moines Capital Improvement Program, along with support from BRAVO Greater Des Moines.
Since its dedication, the memorial has become a recognizable landmark in the western Des Moines metro and a meaningful reminder of the service and sacrifice of veterans.
Why the Memorial Matters
What makes the Folded Flags installation unique is that it blends infrastructure, art, and remembrance into one experience. Instead of placing a memorial in a park or plaza alone, the city incorporated it directly into a corridor people travel every day.
For many residents, the installation serves as:
a symbol of community pride
a reminder of military sacrifice
a visual gateway into West Des Moines
a landmark that connects art with public service
It has also become a popular stop for photography, especially at sunset and after dark when the illuminated flags stand out against the Iowa sky.
Learn More
You can read more about the project through these official and project sources:
City of West Des Moines Folded Flags Page
Shive-Hattery Project Overview
Honoring Veterans with Folded Flags Exhibit