20th Century Veterans Memorial — Attraction in North Platte

Every few years I drive cross country from CA to my hometown in New York. As a proud veteran, I always find peace along the "Purple Heart Msmorial Highway" after a rough day, I happened to book a hotel, and as I pulled in, at midnight I see the memorial. I said "looks like I'll be spending my morning 'talking with Jones and Sharpe',, two friends I lost.

In the morning. I instantly grabbed coffee, and expected to stay 5 minutes. Ended up spending over an hour at this beautiful memorial.

This is by far one of the largest I've seen. Thank you for this memorial to those that fought to keep us all safe. Thank you to all those who have served, or are currently serving.

"I don't know why I left, but I left on my own... and it won't be long, till I, till I, till I get on back home. Back home back home, back home where I belong. And it won't be long, till I make it back home." GOD BLESS 🙌

If you're still reading this far. Another great cadence that hits home.

"Momma told Johnnie not to go down town, the army recruiter was hanging around. Well, recruiter asked Johnnie what he wanted to be. He said "I WANNA JOIN THE INFANTRY" . Johnnie got sent to Vietnam, where he met the people called the Viet-kong. Johnnie was strong, oh he was brave. Johnnie jumped on a hand grenade. Saved the lives of the men, he led. Now poor Johnnie, he was de*" Before he die this is what he said. Tell my momma I've done my best. Pinned his medals upon his chest. I'll never fill that hole he left. Singing oh lord, please don't go... left right, left right, sign this song. Ohhhh lord, please don't go. Left right left right, his...

The old Union Pacific RR station was the site of the North Platte Canteen. The Canteen, operated by local volunteers, served food and refreshments to service men and woman traveling the US by train to eventual deployments in European and Pacific theaters during WW II. It opened on Christmas, 1941 and continued to serve over 2 million service men and women until it closed on April 1st, 1946. It is my belief that Google Maps is a great venue for education, especially when it comes to "Place" as a basis for historical study. Also I want to acknowledge that I probably would never have known about the Canteen had it not been for the love of reading travel journals such as those written by long-time CBS News correspondent Charles Kuralt (1934-1997). "On the Road with Charles Kuralt" is where I was introduced to the selfless ladies of the North Platte Canteen. I have included pictures. If they don't show up on my review, click on my profile, then click on Photos. You may have to scroll down to get to them but...

Very nicely done. Worth the stop. You can add your relatives name, rank, branch to a permanent brick for $150. Just east of there is a memorial to Police Officers that died in the line if duty, & behind that is a playground, picnic shelter & hidden port-a-potties. Boy Scouts have done a real nice job helping to maintain the places. Hope they continue. Throw in a couple bucks. Also the brick directory is...