In December of 2000, the idea to have a walkway to honor all servicemen of our country was formed and put into action at Concordia. Now, the Concordia Area Veteran Walkway, as it is named, is located in Central Park, on Main Street.
The walkway cuurently has over 660 engraved bricks to honor those who gave their time, energy and live for our freedom. Each brick contains the name of a serviceman and information about his service, rank, branch of service, unit, etc.
Bricks represent each branch of service-Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and National Guard. They represent the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cuban Crisis, Desert Storm, Iraqui and Occupational forces. Names of the 12 career personnel and others who have served during peace time are included. Bricks honor veterans who live in 25 states and all parts of Missouri.
The project began as a dream of Erwin Hartwig, after he moved to Concordia. His wife, Geraldine, asked the Concordia VFW 5649 Auxiliary to back the project. They agreed, as did the Lohman-Meyer American Legion Post Auxiliary #258.
A committee mapped a location for the walkway in Central Park, set a budget and determined 250 engraved bricks would be need to be sold before the bricks couold be ordered. This was not to be a money-making project, but a memorial to honor servicemen of all ages.
Ads were placed in area newspapers, posters were placed in store windows and a display was placed in the library window. Orders began coming in and picked up. Soon, 370 bricks were sold. Excavation of the walkway began on August 4, 2001. On September 19, 2001, the first bricks were laid.
The dedication of the Veteran Walkway was held on November 11, 2001, with almost 400 people in attendance. Each year, a rededication service is held on Veterans Day, to honor names which have been added to the walkway.
The project will continue and is offered to anyone who served America in war or peace, in any branch of service.
In 2003, a podium was added to the walkway, consisting of a bronze plaque and a register to record comments for future generation. |
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