Palmerton rose garden dedicated in memory of Ann Goplerud

Ann Goplerud was known by troops across the world as Ann of Iowa.

Ann’s home state became her namesake for soldiers from Casablanca to Naples, who found her actual surname difficult to pronounce, according to the January edition of Palmerton Area Historical Society’s “The Scribe.”

In the midst of World War II, Goplerud spent three years touring destination after war-torn destination, singing to service members both in the field and in hospitals. She witnessed death, suffering and the heavy toll warfare takes on soldiers and citizens alike.

Her last name would one day change to Kennedy. She died of leukemia in 1999, in the Palmerton home of her sister, OB-GYN Dr. Jane Goplerud. Following her sister’s death, Goplerud had a small rose garden constructed in Palmerton Borough Park. She dedicated it to Ann.

“Ann was a very modest person who just wanted to help the troops,” Goplerud told the Iowa newspaper Globe Gazette in 1999. “Especially those kids who were sick or lonely and just wanted some connection with home.”

That garden was rededicated to Ann of Iowa on Saturday, after undergoing a monthslong restoration project funded by the borough and the Concourse Club of Palmerton’s Friends of the Park Committee.

“Thanks go out today to Dr. Jane and the Concourse Club for bringing a new beginning to this rose garden,” Palmerton Mayor Chris Olivia said at the rededication.

“It should serve as a reminder of the many volunteers who give so much to our communities and to the servicemen and women who serve us every day.”

The garden is maintained by the friends of the park, who asked the Palmerton borough to help fund its restoration after the original flower beds began to separate and rot. The work consisted of laying pavers and block to secure the flower beds. It was completed by Hahn Boys Landscaping.

The Palmerton United Veterans Organization Color Guard led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, with miniature American flags scattered throughout the five flower beds.

Palmerton singer Resa Hall moved the crowd to tears with her rendition of Billie Holiday’s “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

The roses have not yet bloomed, but when they do, their beauty will remind park visitors of Ann and the life she brought to service members with her song. Hopefully, it will also remind Palmerton residents to do their part, Borough Councilman Michael Ballard said.

“We all need to stand up and be a part of our town,” Ballard said. “We have a great place here.”