The Linn County Veteran Affairs Commission will hold a public dedication ceremony on July 4 from 10:30 – 11 a.m. in the Linn County Courthouse on the 3rd Avenue Bridge to dedicate a copy of the 1934 Leoni Illuminated Constitution lithograph that was given to Linn County through support from AMVETs Post #6, Ladies Auxiliary, Son of AMVETS and AMVETS Riders.
Remarks will be made by:
• Don Tyne, Linn County Veteran Affairs Director
• Linda Langston, Linn County Board of Supervisors Chairperson
• Yon Abel, Linn County Veteran Affairs Commission Chairperson
The Leoni Illuminated Constitution of the United States is a painting by Italian artist Nestore Leoni around the turn of the century. The original lithograph was printed in 1934. Two copies of the lithograph were presented to Linn County in March 2015. The Constitution lithograph presented by the AMVETS is displayed in the Linn County Courthouse. The second lithograph was presented by past and present combat veterans and supporting personnel and is displayed in the Linn County Community Services Building, which is home to the Linn County Veteran Affairs Department.
These U.S. Constitution lithographs were presented to Linn County through a project spearheaded by Gary Stephenson of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Stephenson is working to install a 1934 Leoni Illuminated Constitution lithograph in all of Iowa’s county courthouses as a tribute to his father who started the project but died in 2008 before it was complete. Stephenson secures local sponsors to help pay for the lithographs and framing in each county.
The public and media are invited to attend this dedication event.