Local veterans and volunteers established a nonprofit in 2018 with one project in mind—building a permanent veterans tribute in the city they call home. The nonprofit, Bloomington Remembers Veterans, has since worked closely with the City planning for a future memorial on the grounds of Civic Plaza.
The group chose a design by Leo A. Daly to be constructed on the east lawn of Civic Plaza. The design was approved by the City Council last November. The memorial design includes many features. The six military branches will be recognized in the design through armatures and service emblems. Individual recognition will be provided through symbolic dog tags hanging from the armatures. The design also features two symbolic walking paths: one for the veteran and the other for the family. The paths meet at a flagpole flying the American and prisoner-of-war (POW) flags. Further along is a place for quiet reflection and healing featuring seating and a vertical light source to reflect the spirit of the service members and their families.
Bloomington Remembers Veterans is dedicated to the mission of honoring and recognizing all veterans, educating the public as to why wars were fought, and showing why we should continue to honor these heroes for the freedoms we enjoy. Community support will be critical in bringing this project come to fruition. Learn more about donating or volunteering with the project at bloomingtonveteransmemorial.org.
