Dr. Terry Moehnke was declared the Hero of the Cruise during the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Ja-Mar Cruise held at the dealership on Fifth Avenue South.

Casey Johnson, co-owner of Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota, said Moehnke was recognized for his efforts to create Terry Moehnke Veterans Memorial Park, which is on the northwest side of Badger Lake at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.

“He is the creator of the veterans park out at Kennedy lake and it is a beautiful facility,” Johnson said.

“Terry, you championed and you made this memorial space and for that we are eternally grateful,” he added.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Steffen Ahlborn, right, of Hanover, Germany, and his son Paul Baumgarte, 7, of Hanover Germany check out a Ford Model AA 1924 during Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Ja-Mar Cruise on Friday at Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota.

Terry Moehnke Veterans Memorial Park consists of sidewalks that wind through a grove of more than 350 flowering trees, each of which is dedicated to a veteran. There are various monuments and markers throughout the park. And there is a large amphitheater overlooking the lake where the community Memorial Day observance is held.

“There is so much heritage and beauty and design there,” Johnson said.

Moehnke said he appreciated the community’s support of the project, which resulted in almost $1 million being raised for the project.

He said he was inspired by a similar park at Fort Stewart, Georgia, which he visited while his son was serving at that Army base.

Construction of the local version of the park began in 2008.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

Pictured from left, Cheyann Neumann, Kali Beckman, and Nikki Beckman, all of Lake View, attend the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Ja-Mar Cruise on Friday at Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota.

Johnson gave Moehnke a plaque with a classic car as a backdrop for the presentation.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Larry Abbas, of Duncombe, looks at a 1972 Chevrolet owned by Myron Mack during the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Ja-Mar Cruise on Friday at Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Christina Cordero of Fort Dodge showcases her 2004 VW Beetle during the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Ja-Mar Cruise on Friday at Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota.