DESIGN
 

A total of 12 proposals for the memorial were submitted to the Commission on Culture and Tourism. The winning design was submitted by two landscape architects, Dean Adams Johnson (FASLA) and Robert C. Schechinger, Jr., (ASLA) of Collinsville. It features a tree-lined central walkway that will show a timeline of the battles that have been fought from the Revolutionary War up to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as statements honoring those who have served and a special honor for those who died in combat.

 The walkway would lead to a wall with statements honoring past, present and future veterans as well as logos for each of the major Armed Forces. There will be openings along the wall to enter an amphitheater which will have a speaker’s platform, a ‘source of life’ fountain and ample seating for events that take place at the memorial.

Governor's Press Release Announcing Winning Design