A hometown hero is getting the honors he deserves.

Austin Mayor Tom Stiehm has announced the official unveiling and placement of the marker for Jackie Graves’ gravesite. The public event will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28 at Oakwood Cemetery.

Graves, an Austin native and professional boxer, began his career in the old Shaw Gym. He went on to become one of the most decorated amateur fighters in history and at one time was considered one of the Top 10 boxers in the world. He lived in Austin nearly all his life, and died Nov. 15, 2005, at Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea. He was buried a few days later in Oakwood Cemetery. But because of miscommunication and a lack of money, the man who purchased a plot and headstones for many in his immediate family is lying in an unmarked grave.

Jake Wegner from the Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame, who personally knew Graves, will speak on his history and achievements in boxing. Wegner was instrumental in creating a memorial fund for Graves. Contributions for the memorial were solicited from the public. Anderson Memorials has provided in-kind contributions.

For more information, contact Stiehm at 507-440-4180.