TIMELINE

2014

August: Through the efforts of several area Veterans and patriots, the Veterans Freedom Square committee was formed. The goal of this committee was to construct a memorial at Riverside Park that would honor all Veterans that served Honorably in the U.S. Military.

2015

June 20: The committee planned and executed the first fundraising event. The event started with a parade honoring area veterans followed by a presentation of the Kansas Vietnam War Medallion to military veterans that served honorably on active duty between February 1961 and May 1975. Ryan Knop assisted in coordinating this effort. A fundraising auction topped off a day of honoring area Veterans and their families.

2016

June 18: An "All Wheels Fun Run" was organized by the American Legion Riders. Following the Fun Run, VFW Post 1186 served food and hosted an auction. Proceeds were donated to Veterans Freedom Square.

September 11: Groundbreaking took place at the future location of the Veterans Freedom Square Memorial.

November: Construction begins. Countless hours were spent by the construction coordinators, committee members, volunteers and the project architect assisting the contractors as they worked on the memorial.

2018

May 28: Memorial Dedication Ceremony

FlagPole MARKERS

The flag markers located at the base of the flagpoles were donated to honor each of the branches of services and individuals who exhibited exemplary service.

HONORARY MARKERS

Patriot benches

these benches were purchased by various organizations, individuals in RECOGNITION of patriots and service members and provide a seating area for visitors to reflect on memories of those who have served.