Veteran Recognition
By providing proof of military service, new names may be listed at the Fort Collins Veterans Plaza at no cost to the individual/family. While the Veterans Plaza is located in Fort Collins, local residency is not a requirement for listing, but either the nominator or the service member must have a tie to Northern Colorado. Names currently engraved at the memorial in Edora Park will be listed at the new location. Veteran’s names may also include those currently serving.
City of Fort Collins Park Planning
Attn: Veterans Plaza
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Include: Name; Rank; Branch of service; War in which service was performed, or if not a war veteran, the dates of service; KIA if appropriate; Tie to Northern Colorado of nominator or service member; DD214 or Proof of Honorable Service (in the case of current service, please submit a statement of service signed by the adjutant, personnel officer, or the commander of the veteran's unit of assignment.)
Click here for assistance with proof of service.
How can you thank the thousands of veterans in Larimer County? How can you show appreciation for the years served? How can you help recognize the many military personnel currently representing our country and community?
Show your gratitude with a tax-deductible donation to help build a Veterans Plaza honoring those who have served, are serving, and will serve.
The Plaza
The Plaza will be located at Spring Canyon Community Park in Fort Collins, Colorado, on three acres of land close to the main entrance.
This visionary plaza will incorporate sandstone paths, native rock, shade trees, and a natural stone stage for celebrating the liberties and freedoms that have been protected by service members.
A bronze statue will further convey the story of generations of sacrifice. The statue will depict a World War II American soldier with a young boy. The soldier’s left arm extends in a sweeping gesture as if showing the boy the promise of the future. The boy smiles as he realizes that his freedoms, his liberties, and small pleasantries like the park are a gift from those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
The Veterans Plaza will be easily accessed by a sandstone path that will lead past monuments listing the names of veterans. Audience seating for the stage will be made of sandstone tiers. More than 80 trees will provide shade and enhance the open space atmosphere of Spring Canyon Community Park.
Timeline
Construction of the Veterans Plaza will begin once the entire fundraising goal has been met. Donations
The Veterans Plaza will be made possible by the generous donations of the Northern Colorado community. The goal is to raise $750,000 to create a plaza --- a timeless symbol of appreciation for dedication and service --- to honor those in the armed services. The City of Fort Collins has graciously donated land for the plaza. And because the Veterans Plaza Fund is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, donations are tax deductible. 
- Please click here to make an online donation using a secure online donation page.
- You may also mail a check payable to the Community Foundation to the following address (Please indicate "Veterans Plaza" in the memo field): Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, 4745 Wheaton Drive, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO, 80525.
Donors contributing $1,000 or more will be recognized on an engraved bronze plaque at the Plaza.
Donor Recognition
The first 80 donations of $1,000 or more may request a "Living Memorial" to be named after a veteran. The Living Memorial will be one of the 80 trees that will shade the site. The name of the veteran will be placed on a marker designating their tree.
- 5 Star: $50,000 and above
- 4 Star: $25,000-$49,000
- 3 Star: $10,000-$24,999
- 2 Star: $5,000-$9,999
- 1 Star: $1,000-$4,999
- Contributors: $1-$999
Contributors of $1,000 or more will receive permanent recognition at the plaza.
Community Participation
In addition to donations, community residents will also be encouraged to participate during the construction. When the statue's platform is near completion, the public will be invited to bring small mementos, pictures, or pieces of paper containing messages/prayers to be incorporated into a time capsule in the base of the plaza.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding the Plaza, contact City of Fort Collins representative Craig Foreman at (970) 221- 6618 or cforeman@fcgov.com. If you have questions regarding your donation, please contact the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado at (970) 224-3462. To submit a name for inclusion at the plaza, click here.
Special Thanks
Thanks to Vaught Frye Architects for their work in providing design concepts to Major Diggs Brown for his vision and leadership. Click here to learn about the 2008 Community Hero Award presented to Major Brown and the resulting $15,000 donation to the Fort Collins Veterans Memorial Plaza Fund.
