There has long been a monument in downtown Peoria to honor those who served in the Civil War. A second war memorial was erected to represent those who fought in the two world wars. And now there is a monument for Peoria County veterans of all conflicts since World War Two.
More than 300 people viewed the unveiling of the new Veterans’ Memorial on Saturday. It’s placed between the earlier two statues on the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza.
Memorial Committee Chair Steve Sonnemaker, who also serves as county clerk, sees many people stop to view all the memorials. “I think it brings some peace and pride and comfort to see that. I think it’s important to be grateful for those that did so much for so many.”
The new memorial cost $400,000. It includes the names of 269 Peoria County residents who died in the Korean and Vietnam wars and the War on Terror. It also has space for residents who may die in future conflicts.
The monument also has a statue of a Korean War vet and a Vietnam War vet with his dog. A third statue of a female pilot will soon be placed to represent the War on Terror.