A new chapter in preserving North Dakota’s military heritage began this week as Governor Kelly Armstrong, local veterans, tribal citizens, and members of the State Historical Society gathered to officially break ground on the North Dakota Military Gallery.

“North Dakota’s military members are at the heart of this gallery,” Armstrong said, noting that veterans from all five of North Dakota’s tribal nations have served on an advisory committee to ensure Indigenous service members and warrior culture are meaningfully represented.

Robert Hunter Sr., director of veterans affairs for the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and an Army veteran himself, said the museum will play an important role for Native American veterans.

“I believe it’s great for tourism because you get to see a rich history of North Dakotans, but also the tribes that were here before them,” Hunter said. “That’s just a rich history that can’t be forgotten.”

Hunter said he’s especially looking forward to the memorial wall that will pay tribute to service members who lost their lives in combat.

The gallery’s design is being led by Zerr Berg Architects, with construction expected to start in the coming month and completion slated for 2027, according to Brian Berg, the lead architect.

The project’s total cost should come in under the $78 million budget, with about half of the funding anticipated through private donations and the rest covered by state allocations and potential credit from the Bank of North Dakota, said Bill Peterson, director of the State Historical Society.

Willie Rose of Bismarck, a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran who served 19 years, attended the groundbreaking to reconnect with fellow veterans and show support for the new museum.

“Just seeing people here, it’s so amazing to see that people really do care about veterans and what they’ve been through,” Rose said. He added that he hopes the gallery will earn the same level of respect that honor flights receive when they take veterans to Washington, D.C.

Army veteran Dusty Olson of Parshall said remembering the sacrifices of those who served is vital to helping future generations.

“My folks used to say, ‘Do it better than we did,’ and this is the same scenario, or maybe add onto it,” Olson said.

When complete, the North Dakota Military Gallery will stand as a dedicated space to educate, inspire, and honor the legacy of the state’s service members — past, present and future.

Key highlights of the planned museum include:

A Memorial Wall

‍A solemn tribute to North Dakotan veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Tribal Veterans Exhibit

‍An area devoted to the warrior culture and contributions of North Dakota’s five tribal nations.

Interactive Displays

‍Exhibits showcasing historic uniforms, equipment, personal stories, and oral histories.

Educational Programs

‍Partnerships with schools to bring students to the gallery for field trips and learning opportunities.

Economic Impact

‍The gallery is expected to attract visitors statewide and nationally, supporting local tourism and hospitality businesses in Bismarck and beyond.

Peterson emphasized that once open, the gallery will not only preserve history but will also serve as a space for reflection and community gathering.

Officials say they hope to see more community support through donations as construction ramps up. For North Dakotans like Rose and Olson, the new Military Gallery is a promise to ensure sacrifices are remembered and stories live on.

Originally reported by Michael Achterling in North Dakota Monitor.