Veterans Memorial Submitted by Mike Cook

We would like the members of Springfield Contractors Association to please consider becoming a partner in one of the most unique Veterans Memorials to be built. We need the help of every patriotic person and company. We are not professional fund raisers or politicians. We are a group of very patriotic Veterans who want to educate and inspire patriotism in our children. [We especially need help with] the infrastructure part of our project [to] get it built at as low a cost as possible. Mostly we will need some ground work, walkways built and some site work like paving. Our goal is to make this Memorial a must see destination when visiting the area.

Background: Some time ago a group of veterans in American Legion Post 639 (Vietnam War Memorial Post) began exploring the idea of bringing to Springfield the Traveling Vietnam War Wall as part of the official anniversary of the Vietnam War. We learned that the wall was on display in Chanute KS and drove up to view and talk with the people who provide the wall. While there we were astounded by the great permanent monument that the American Legion and the citizens of Chanute had erected. That led to a discussion on exploring and developing a memorial in Springfield Missouri. Talks with others in the area showed there was a lot of interest in building a World Class Memorial to Honor all Veterans of all Conflicts. Most monuments or memorials are built on government land and subject to the rules, regulations and restrictions of bureaucrats and the courts of one political party or the other. Some groups with their own political agendas try to control the mention of God, or the placements of Flags or even to rewrite history to meet their own warped concepts. We will not seek or accept any government funds for this project. It will 100% funded by individuals, families, clubs, organizations, and patriotic businesses. Our post sits on 24 beautiful acres and the member ship of the post voted to provide the land needed for our project. We intend on recognizing anyone who helps build this memorial. We will be selling granite engraved pavers that will last hundreds of years. Families can honor their loved ones who served, or just express support for our Veterans.

There will be a black marble monument for each conflict – laser engraved with iconic scenes of each war along with famous quotes and information about the men and women who fought. Starting with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War and so on through the conflicts of today. The whole intent is to make it one of the most interesting and inspiring patriotic memorials in the country. Since our Legion Post is called “Vietnam War Memorial Post” we will have a special bronze statue to honor all those of that era.

We will be officially launching our project in December. We are going to pre-sell pavers during the months of November and December to members of our Legion Post and other Veterans or their familes in the local area. What is unique about our pavers is we are not using brick or concrete – ours will be made of Granite and are made to withstand the tides of time and last hundreds of years – as long as the monuments themselves.

Attached is draft layout of the grounds – you will notice the pentagon in the middle. While all the sidewalks will be concrete and covered with engraved pavers – the center part is reserved for just the names of the Veterans who served. We have 1000 pavers available on each side – one side for each branch of the service. The center will hold the Vietnam Statue. The main walkway and sidewalks to the memorials will be available for anyone to buy. They can say anything on a paver ranging in size from 4” x 8”, 8” x 8” or 16” x 16”. Families, Organizations, or Businesses will be able to post a message of support and or their company logo. We will also be selling marble benches to help fund the project.

Our Mission Statement says it all: “Our mission is to develop, build, and operate a Quality Memorial to Honor all American Veterans. We are committed to maintaining excellence, respect, and integrity in all aspects of our project and to establish a thoughtful and patriotic landmark to educate our children while honoring our Veterans. History has shown the world that no matter how different we are in America, no matter our race, sex, color, religion, ethnic background, or political ideals – Veterans are a family – We are Americans.”

Thanks for any help you can give us.

Mike Cook
USAF Vietnam, Chairman Springfield Veterans Day Parade
Board Member ‘Veterans Memorial of the Ozarks’ American Legion Post 639
mikesunique@att.net