Just shy of four years ago, area veterans noticed the Schuyler area didn't have a veterans memorial. After some discussion and planning, they set out to build one on a scale grander than a simple stone or plaque, seeking a destination for veterans and their families to pay respect to those who served.
Lumir Jedlicka, commander of the American Legion Schuyler McLeod Post 47 and one of the starting forces in the Colfax County Veterans Memorial's construction, speaks to the crowd on June 7, 2026, at the memorial as it finally opened to the public. Military vehicles and mock soldiers flanked the podium for visual effect.
Stanley "Butch" Kracl stands next to a statue of himself in his Vietnam days at the Colfax County Veterans Memorial dedication ceremony June 7, 2026. Across from Kracl's statue is sculptor Feed Hoppe's father, Fritz Hoppe, a World War II veteran.
Gov. Jim Pillen speaks to the crowd at the dedication of the Colfax County Veterans Memorial June 7, 2026. Pillen relayed stories of veterans, including his own father and grandfather, and urged veterans to talk to family about their service.
Stanley "Butch" Kracl stands next to a statue of himself in his Vietnam days at the Colfax County Veterans Memorial dedication ceremony June 7, 2026. Across from Kracl's statue is sculptor Feed Hoppe's father, Fritz Hoppe, a World War II veteran.
Lumir Jedlicka, commander of the American Legion Schuyler McLeod Post 47 and one of the starting forces in the Colfax County Veterans Memorial's construction, speaks to the crowd on June 7, 2026, at the memorial as it finally opened to the public. Military vehicles and mock soldiers flanked the podium for visual effect.
Gov. Jim Pillen speaks to the crowd at the dedication of the Colfax County Veterans Memorial June 7, 2026. Pillen relayed stories of veterans, including his own father and grandfather, and urged veterans to talk to family about their service.
