Monument Plaza - VFW Headquarters

In Kansas City at 34th and Broadway sits our National Headquarters building.  At the corner of the property are several monuments and I'd like to showcase them today.  I got up early so I could capture the sunrise as those golden rays lit up the sights.  I hope you enjoy!

The focal point is of course, the "Citizen-Soldier" Statue, dedicated on 5 October 2001.  On the occasion of the VFW 100th Anniversary [1999] the statue was commissioned to commemorate our first century of service to veterans, those currently serving, and the communities in which they live.  The three important aspects of our history are reflected in this statue:

    - First and foremost, the VFW member is helping the soldier, symbolizing the VFW's support for veterans.

    - Second, the documents in the member's hand symbolizes VFW's fight for veterans in the public and political arenas.

    - Finally, the entire design speaks to the metamorphosis from soldier to citizen to VFW member.

The next thing that catches your eye is the wall of marble panels leading to the flag poles.  These five panels have bronze inlays that capture the VFW from its origins to the future vision of what we stand for.  The shiny marble reflects back as you look into, perhaps a subliminal message that the viewer is part of the scene.

Last is the massive viewing area, backed by the flags of the United States, POW-MIA, the VFW, and the Auxiliary. Within the arc, as you can see where Mama is sitting, is a plaque along with a large circular Cross of Malta.  The plaque inscription reads:

    "Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, National Headquarters Memorial, Dedicated 21 April 1986.  Old Glory proudly waves over the hallowed ground gathered from more than 200 battlefields in which the Armed Forces of our country have been engaged in combat from 1680 through 1973.  The soil was collected by Otto Osterburg, VFW Post 998, Freeport, Illinois and is entombed in the base of the flagpole."

When I read that, I was floored, for many reasons.  1680 to 1973?  Soil from more than 200 battlefields?  A guy from my HOME STATE did this?  Who knew!  History is fascinating and learning about our monuments brings us closer together.  The next time you visit our VFW Headquarters, take a few minutes to check out these memorials.  I know you will be glad you did!