VA worked with state representatives to compile a list of the most popular state Veteran monuments, part of a five part series. Below is a list in alphabetical order.
Alabama
“Alabama is a very patriotic state with Veterans representing more than 10% of the population. Most communities in Alabama have something honoring the service and sacrifice of those who have proudly served in America’s Armed Forces. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park located in Mobile, Alabama, is likely the most visited Veterans park. Each year more than 400,000 visitors tour the historic battleship USS Alabama, submarine USS Drum, and the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion in celebration of the state’s Veterans – past and present.” – Bob Horton, assistant commissioner, Outreach and Engagement.
Veterans can learn more about the park at https://www.ussalabama.com/.
Alaska
“Alaska’s best Veteran memorial is located in Denali State Park at mile 147.1 between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The memorial consists of five 20-foot tall concrete panels each panel representing our military services.” – Verdie Bowen Sr., director, Office of Veterans Affairs
Veterans can learn more about these monuments at http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/matsu/akveteransmemorial.htm.
Arizona
Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, established in 1978 and located in the Governmental Mall directly across the street from the State Capitol building, is home to 34 monuments and memorials and includes 20 monuments and memorials honoring military service and sacrifice for this country. Wesley Bolin Plaza is a popular site visited by tourists, Arizona residents and school groups throughout the year and is designated as one of the Points of Pride in Phoenix locations by the City of Phoenix.” – Wanda Wright, director
Veterans can find a map of the plaza and list of memorials and monuments at https://gsd.az.gov/sites/default/files/CAPITOL%20MALL%20-%20Memorial%20Directory%2011×17.pdf.
Arkansas
“The state’s most popular Veterans monument is named for a famous Arkansas Veteran, Gen. Douglas MacArthur.” – Gina Chandler, assistant director, Veterans Services
For more information go to https://www.littlerock.gov/for-residents/parks-and-recreation/macarthur-museum-of-arkansas-military-history/.
California
“The California Mexican-American Veterans Memorial, known as El Soldado, is unique among the many memorials dedicated to war Veterans both in Sacramento’s Capitol Park and throughout the United States. The statue was established and funded by the mothers and wives of California’s Mexican-American soldiers who had fallen during WWII. Creating ‘La Sociedad de Madres’ (Society of Mothers) in 1948, these hard working women remained on task for many years, hosting fundraisers until they were able to raise enough money to buy the marble stone carved statue from Italy for $4,000. Originally placed in 1951, at what was once Sacramento’s Mexican-American Center, the statue was moved in the 1970s, then relocated again to its current location on the west side of California’s State’s Capitol in 1990.” – Xochitl Rodriguez-Murillo, deputy secretary, Minority and Underrespresented Veterans
Veterans can learn more about the memorial at https://www.calvet.ca.gov/MinorityVets/Pages/MAVMC-History.aspx.
Colorado
“The Colorado Tribute to Veterans Monument is located in Lincoln Park between the State Capitol and Denver City and County Building.” – Richard J. Tremaine, director, Division of Veterans Affairs
Veterans can learn more at www.Colorado.Gov/Vets.
Connecticut
“Connecticut’s most popular state Veteran monument is the Connecticut State Veterans Memorial in Minuteman Park in the capital city of Hartford. This monument pays tribute to the men and women who served in all branches of the military during our nation’s history and is situated next to the Connecticut State National Guard Armory and the State Legislative Office building.” – Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi
For more information including how to sponsor pavers honoring a Veteran, visit www.CTHonorsVets.org.
Delaware
“Delaware’s most popular state Veteran monument is the Delaware Women Veterans Monument.” – Larence Kirby, executive director, Office of Veterans Services
To read more about the monument, see https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2018/11/03/monument-legislative-hall-pays-tribute-women-military/1871992002/.
Florida
“Florida’s Vietnam War Memorial, with its 28-by-15 foot U.S. flag, contains the names of all known Floridians killed in the war. The location is across Monroe Street from the Old Capitol Building in downtown Tallahassee.” – James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, deputy executive director, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Veterans can learn more by visiting www.FloridaVets.org.
Georgia
“More than 130,000 people visit the Andersonville National Historic Site per year. The Andersonville National Historic Site comprises three distinct components: the former site of Camp Sumter military prison, the Andersonville National Cemetery, and the National Prisoner of War Museum, which opened in 1998 to honor all U.S. prisoners of war in all wars. Visitors can view several monuments and memorial plaques dedicated to prisoners of war.” – Mike Roby, Georgia’s commissioner of Veterans Service
Veterans can learn more about the program at https://www.nps.gov/ande/index.htm.
Hawaii
“Hawaii’s most popular Veteran monument is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial which includes the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri Battleship, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.”- Ronald Han, Director State Office of Veterans’ Services
Veterans can learn more about all of these memorials at www.nps.gov/pearlharbor.
Idaho
“The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery is the most popular Veterans monument in the state. Set against a backdrop of native grasses, green hills, and the rugged Boise Foothills, the 76.5-acre cemetery offers a peaceful place of solitude and beauty for friends and family members of those laid to rest here. The annual Memorial Day Service brings thousands of Idaho citizens and community leaders together at the cemetery to honor those Veterans who are gone but not forgotten.” – James Earp, Idaho State Veterans Cemetery Bureau chief
Veterans can learn more about the Idaho State Veterans Cemeteries at http://veterans.idaho.gov/Cemetery.
Illinois
“Oak Ridge cemetery holds the most popular Veteran monuments. The most underused state benefit in Illinois is the reimbursement of Cartage and Erection fees for VA-supplied markers.” – Evan Fazio, public information officer, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Illinois Veterans and their families can learn more about these programs at veterans.illinois.gov.
Indiana
“The Soldiers and Sailors Monument located in the center of Indianapolis is easily the most popular state Veteran’s Monument. According to Downtown Indy, Inc., approximately 1.5 million visitors visit this monument annually.” – J. Stewart Goodwin, executive director, Indiana War Memorial
Veterans can learn more about the monument at https://www.in.gov/iwm/2335.htm.
Iowa
The Iowa Veterans Cemetery is the first federally funded construction of a state-owned and operated Veterans cemetery in Iowa. The cemetery serves the Veteran population throughout the state and around the country, as there is no state residency requirement to be interred there.” – Karl J. Lettow, public information
Information about the Iowa Veterans Cemetery is at https://va.iowa.gov/cemetery.
Kansas
“Kansas is proud to be the home of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum located in Abilene. This is an opportunity to explore the extraordinary life and legacy of the only 5-star gen