Health & Fitness
The History Behind Manchester's Veterans Memorial
Manchester's Veterans Memorial is just over a year old. It is a high quality tribute to the many who have served our country. Make it a point to visit this new gem in our city.
One of the recent accomplishments for the city of Manchester is the construction and dedication of a beautiful Veterans Memorial on Henry Road about ½ mile north of Manchester Road in .
It is well worth a stop next time you drive by, or even if you make a special trip to honor those who served us. I just spent some time last week walking around these grounds inspired by this high quality tribute to our veterans.
The project began after the Manchester Historic Review Commission (HRC) was formed in 2005. One of its first goals was to remake the former World War II Honor Roll at the corner of Creve Coeur Avenue and Manchester Road. The HRC began researching these names and contemplated other Manchester veterans being honored as well. It became clear that the best way to honor our veterans was to design a memorial that pays tribute to the various military branches while allowing individuals to dedicate brick pavers to honor the veterans in their lives.
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In early 2007, the Manchester Board of Aldermen provided the funds for a professional architect to design the Memorial. The HRC then settled on a design in 2008 and chose Margaret Stoecker Park in the Henry Avenue National Historic District just north of Manchester Road as its permanent location.
The HRC received donations from businesses, organizations and individuals (through the purchase of individual pavers) to cover the cost of building Phase I of the Memorial. Many companies contributed either their labor and/or materials as well. It was officially dedicated on June 12, 2010.
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Phase I includes a central plaza with pillars, benches and engraved pavers. The six pillars within that plaza represent the 6 major branches of the military including their insignia and motto on each pillar.
There is a dedication wall featuring plaques showing all the donors and contributors.
City, county, state, federal and POW/MIA flags fly at the far edge of the Memorial area with a veterans tribute wall and plaque in front of it.
Efforts continue to raise enough money to finish other elements of the project. The next phase to complete will be paving the outer path that encircles the main plaza. Further donations will fund this and a possible third phase.
If you would like to donate, or purchase pavers, columns, benches, or plaques, contact City Planning, Zoning and Economic Director Franz Kraintz at 636-227-1385 extension 107.
Veterans Day is Nov. 11 this year. Please think of a veteran you would like to honor with a donation to this wonderful Memorial. The veteran does not have to be a Manchester resident and any tribute paid through the purchase of a bench, pillar or brick paver can be to a veteran from any conflict in our nation’s history. Even if they have served but did not see any combat, that’s worthy as well. The city wants to honor all veterans for their dedication, commitment and sacrifice in serving our country.
The background on this story was provided by Franz Kraintz, Manchester's director of economic development.