america's 20th century veterans' memorial

I grew up here ... Cody Park has a pool, rides, and North Platte River activiities. The Veterans' Memorial has my Dad's name on it.

Really nice to stroll through and see all the memorial bricks - dates of service / wars or conflicts where they served.

Nicely done! Nice seeing several bricks in a row with my family members name on them. Proud military heritage for me!

Nicely done but as a Veteran who saw combat several times during the 20th century I wonder where are the Marines and Seabees. Apparently only the Army recruits in North Platte. It is a beautiful memorial for my Army brothers, just ignores the rest of us.

This is a small but powerful memorial to our nation's troops. All branches are represented including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. There is also a memorial to the North Platte Canteen which became famous during WWII for the troops traversing across country to training, from training, and finally deployment. The entrance features a large statue of soldiers and is anchored by two large bald eagles, our national symbol. This is worth the time to stop and pay tribute to our unsung heroes. One thing I would like to see added would be something to commemorate service animals who have served right along the troops.

This elegant and impressive tribute to all the branches of the military and their part in the conflicts of the past century is a credit to the town of North Platte. One would not expect to find a memorial of this caliber in this area but this is, with its bas relief and 10 sculptures , on a par with many that we have seen in the large cities on the east coast. It is hard to believe that it was created without public assistance but through donations. It is a tribute to our Armed Forces but also to the caring people in this town who made it possible. Don't miss this moving and memorable work.

This is a wonderful tribute right off the Interstate and Highway 83. The entire area is well designed and is very respectful to our veterans that have served.

Our hotel was right next to the Veterans' Memorial. Always on the lookout for things to share with my brother, a navy veteran, I stopped in. The quality of the sculptures, the serenity and solemnity of the place itself made me glad I had taken the time to pay my respects. Each branch of the Armed Services is recognized with a fitting tribute to their service. Women are recognized here for their unique contribution to armed service. I have visited memorials in Washington D.C., and this one stands shoulder to shoulder with any there. I recommend taking a moment and stopping in. The visit will reward you tenfold.

North Platte is home to one of the best military memorials in the United States.The 20th Century Veterans Memorial actually honors military members from before and after the 20th century. The memorial rivals any across the United States, including those in Washington, DC.The entrance is an arch with the memorial’s name. It’s protected with eagles on both ends. Atop the middle of the arch is a dove standing on the globe.The first sculpture you see is the “Defenders of Liberty.” Three soldiers sitting together, as if they are taking a break in battle to socialize only as soldiers can do during battle.The memorial has a walkway with six sculptures on either side. They represent each military department, including the Coast Guard.The first thing I noticed was that several sculptures bear the name of an actual person. Major William Meisner has his arm raised in the air as if signaling to his troops to follow him. The major represents the Army.The Coast Guard statue scans the horizon for a possible attack against the mainland.The Marine standing at attention depicts the name of Private First Class Robert Lowe. The Navy statue depicts a pilot ready for flight. It honors Lt. Commander Walton Erickson.The next sculpture represents the Army Air Corps during World War II. The AAC was the precursor to the United States Air Force.The sixth sculpture honors the medics, who have served during war. Sgt. First Class Tricia Jameson is the model for the sculpture. She served with the 313th Medical Company of the Nebraska Army National Guard.In front of the memorial’s wall stands a quadrangle memorial. It honors the Nebraskans who have died during conflict from each military department.Along the memorial is a Walk of Honor. Bricks contain the names of men and women who have served. One of the bricks at the memorial honors Gen. Butler Miltonberger. Gen. Miltonberger was appointed by President Harry Truman to rebuild the National Guard following World War II, according to the memorial’s website, http://www.20thcvetsmem.org/.The North Platte native was buried in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in nearby Maxwell after his death in 1976. The memorial wall depicts the five major conflicts of the 20th century – World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam Conflict and the Middle Eastern conflicts.The memorial honors the volunteers of the North Platte Canteen. Women volunteered their time to help feed and support the 6 million soldiers who made their way through North Platte on trains during World War II. The status depicts Rae Wilson Sleight.Finally, the memorial honors the truly unknown heroes of war – the Unknown Soldier. The tribute honors those known only to their maker from the American Revolutionary War to present day.The North Platte veterans memorial is located south of exit 177 on Interstate 80. If you ever travel through the area, take a few minutes off the road and visit this site. You will not be disappointed.

I was impressed with the size of the memorial and the ability to locate a name. I also liked the larger statues that memorialized branches of the armed services by naming a specific person in that service, including women.

What a nice tribute to those who have served our country. Statues, and a walk of honor, honoring local vets from the area with bricks family have purchased. A memorial honoring all branches of the military from the major conflicts of the 20th century (World War I to the Persian Gulf). The is also a tribute to the North Platte Canteen from World War II. It is a nice place to stop off for a while in your travels to honor our veterans. There are flyers with information about opportunities to contribute to the memorial and how to purchase a brick for the Walk of Honor!

Location is within a 1/2 mile of interstate 80. We ended being here for about an hour just remembering those who we lost. Great place to go if your in the area or just driving through.

A place of remembrance and a place to honor those who serve and have served. Very sobering. The brickwork is amazing!

Very well done with a nice directory. Easy to read bricks to honor service men and women. Also honors the Canteen that has been so popular. The office for the Memorial is very close.

The 20th Century Veterans Memorial in North Platte, Nebraska is a tribute to the men and women who served in the five major wars of the 20th century: World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Beneath the memorial’s arched entrance is a sculpting, “The Defenders of Liberty” that depicts three battle tested America soldiers, ready to defend and serve this nation. The focal point of the Memorial, however, is the far wall with relief sculpting of battle scenes from each major 20th century war. The pathway from the Defenders of Liberty to the Wall is flanked with sculpting of men and women from the various branches of the armed services. The memorial is a reminder to all of us of the sacrifices made by men and women to defend America and our way of life. If you’re in or near North Platte the 20th Century Veterans Memorial is worth taking the time to see.On the east side of the memorial is a tribute to the North Platte Canteen that served the men and women aboard every troop train that passed through the town during World War II. The canteen was staffed by volunteers from North Platte and surrounding communities. The food and beverages were donated by these same persons who unselfishly donated ration stamps for sugar, coffee, eggs and other rationed items. There was no government funding or support of any kind.