The title of this post is taken from The Declaration of Independence. The greater quote is posted on the front page of the website for America’s 20th Century Veterans’ Memorial in North Platte, Nebraska.
Their goal was to: “Build a permanent memorial monument dedicated to and honoring the men and women who served honorable during a time of war or peace.”
As a veteran, I often seek out service-connected and veterans’ memorials, so I’ve seen more than just a few. There was the occasion recently to be in North Platte, NE, to assist someone from Texas to become a Texan. This, of course, is another story so go and see “You’re not a Texan until you’ve been to a rodeo!“. In seeking out what was ‘worthy’ for us to visit while in the area, we were struck by the number of times we ran across suggestions that we visit America’s 20th Century Veterans’ Memorial. ‘Worthy’ does not do this justice. It is a moving and apt tribute to the veterans it was intended to honor.
I get choked up pretty quick when dealing with this subject. As a veteran, I’ve known men who did not come back from war, those who came back and have never been able to function as they could have if they had not had the experience, and known of many more who did not return. I also know many who served honorably, did what their country asked of them and came home to be spouses, parents and productive citizens.
I’ve been lucky enough to go to Washington DC and visit the Vietnam Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. This memorial in North Platte is different as it honors all branches of the service for an entire century. It also honors the women who made the North Platte Canteen a success serving over six million service men and women going off to WWII who passed through North Platte.
The monument begins with a bronze eagle crested entry way and a larger than life statue titled, “Defenders of Liberty”. The walk of honor includes six statues which “depict the honorable military service of men and women during the Twentieth Century”. At the far end of the memorial is a huge brick relief wall that, “reflects the struggle to preserve peace and freedom during the five major conflicts of the Twentieth Century”.
During WWII, volunteers in North Platte served over six million service men and women who passed through the city on their way to war. A special area is dedicated to those great people from the greater Mid-Nebraska area who provided the Canteen at the North Platte Depot.
If you are ever in the North Platte, NE area, this memorial should be on your list to visit. If you have already visited the memorial, what did you think?
