For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of sections 184.250 to 184.270 the county commissions of the several counties and the municipal assemblies of the said cities are authorized to erect said buildings, monuments or tablets and to do all things necessary to carry out the provisions of sections 184.250 to 184.270. Such county commissions and municipal assemblies are hereby authorized to appropriate funds for such purpose and to receive, manage and expend funds donated for such purpose and to make all contracts and purchases, including the acquiring of real estate, necessary in the premises. It shall be the duty of the county commissions of the several counties and of the municipal assemblies of said cities, under the supervision and with the assistance of the adjutant general and in the form to be prescribed by him, to collect and file in such memorial building, or in the office of the county clerk of such county or other suitable place designated by the county commission, or in such place as may be designated by the municipal assemblies of said cities a record of the soldiers, sailors and Marines who, as citizens of said county or city, served in the war against Germany and her allies and it shall be the duty of said county clerk and of the custodian designated by the municipal assembly of said city to safely keep and preserve such records properly indexed for ready reference thereto.