Mural at Mt. Pleasant Veterans Hall honors all who served

MT. PLEASANT — A new mural now stretches across the side of the Mt. Pleasant Veterans Hall, where a vivid battlefield cross and flowing American flag greet passersby. The tribute stands as a symbol of unity, memory and shared service — no matter where or how someone served.

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“The mural on the south side of our Veterans Hall has truly been a journey — one marked by hard work, deep pride, and the unwavering support of our incredible community,” Mt. Pleasant Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Robin Daniel said.

“We’ve been humbled by the way Mt. Pleasant has responded,” Daniel continued. “That support has helped us grow stronger and more visible, and we’re proud to see renewed energy and increasing membership in both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.”

Over the last couple of years the VFW and American Legion have worked together to renovate their shared Veterans Hall and this is just the latest project to come to fruition thanks to the support of the Mt. Pleasant Community.

According to Mt. Pleasant American Legion Commander Dean King, this project took a bit longer to get started than anticipated as they worked to gather funding and find the right timing to begin.

“When we heard the city was going to allow murals on buildings, we thought, wouldn’t it be something to have a massive American Flag on our building,” Daniel said. “A symbol of the country we all swore to protect when we raised our right hand in service?”

The mural incorporates more than a flag the size of a side of the building.

“We really wanted to do the field cross,” King said. “That’s with the rifle and the hat and the boots. We wanted it to be more about a memorial … and that’s what the rifle and boots do.”

Daniel says the mural sends a powerful message to veterans and the community.

“The souring eagles in the design reflect the strength, courage, and spirit of freedom that define our nation,” Daniel said.

Positioned prominently on the building, the mural was designed with visibility in mind.

“We wanted to be able to see it from the Old 34, which is Washington Street, and you can — so there you go,” King said.

The success of this goal is obvious from comments received from the public.

“I really like how you can see it from Washington — over the top of the H&R Block building,” said local resident Sara Mertens.

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Funding came through regular activities hosted at the hall, with help from volunteers and steady community attendance.

“We are also deeply thankful to the leaders, businesses and citizens of Mt. Pleasant,” Daniel said. “Your support, encouragement, and partnership made this possible. We could never have done it alone — and we are proud to be your veterans.”

The mural was completed by longtime muralist Sue Hopper and her granddaughter, Paris Always. The collaboration held personal meaning and community resonance.

“Sue Hopper has done murals all over the world and her granddaughter is Paris Always,” King said. “Sue credits Paris as being extremely good. In fact, the Eagles — Paris did this time.”

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Community response to the mural has been swift and deeply emotional.

As Hopper and Always painted the mural, they were approached by many members of the community, including veterans. King tells of one encounter that included a Marine coming up to the two and getting “teary-eyed,” as he thanked the muralists for their work.

Those involved in bringing this mural to life want to especially thank the muralists.

“We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sue Hopper and her granddaughter, Paris Always, for sharing their extraordinary talent and commitment in bringing this vision to life,” Daniel said. “Your work not only honors our veterans but also fills our community with a deep sense of pride and gratitude.”

Residents shared their appreciation under a post about the mural online.

“It is absolutely beautiful,” Sandra Allender commented. “Thank you for blessing our great town with such a beautiful piece of artwork and tribute to all who fought for our freedom.”

Cheryl Beard of Winfield added, “That is phenomenal work.”

The mural also symbolizes something deeper: collaboration. The Veterans Hall is home to both the Mt. Pleasant VFW and American — a relationship that King said dates back decades and wasn't always easy.

“We, the American Legion and the VFW, were both struggling, and so they went together in 1973,” he said. “There were some bumps in the road, because both national [organizations] said you weren’t allowed to do it, but we did it anyway.”

As other veteran posts around the country faced challenges in later years, many looked to Mt. Pleasant as a model.

“I got a lot of calls from around the state: ‘How did you do it? How did you do it?’” King said.

The two organizations have worked side by side since, successfully.

“We’ve worked harmoniously for a long time, and things like this mural wouldn’t have happened if we couldn’t work harmoniously with both organizations pulling the same wagon,” he said.

The building’s name — Veterans Hall — reflects that spirit.

“We have American Legion and VFW and their two auxiliaries that meet there,” King said. “And we have the Avenue of Flags, which runs the memorial up on the courthouse lawn and also arranges the Memorial Day and the Veterans Day services. And then we have the Henry County Honor Guard that works out of there. So, it’s just the Veterans Hall.”

With Memorial Day approaching, King said the mural serves as more than just a remembrance of the fallen — it stands for every person who wore the uniform.

“To me, it reminds me of all veterans,” King said. “I thought it was just great to have it on the side of the building.”

“We hope this mural brings honor to all who served, comfort to those who remember, and inspiration to everyone who calls this community home,” Daniel said.

The Veterans Hall is planning a ribbon-cutting or dedication ceremony in the near future, but King said simply seeing the mural complete is already very rewarding.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com