Play the video above to learn how your gift to the Veterans Plaza
Reserve Fund will help provide necessary upkeep to the Plaza.

How can you thank United States military veterans? 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.

Questions?

• If you have questions regarding the Plaza, contact Billy Thornton, a member of the Veterans Plaza Committee, at (970) 217-6920 or Craig Foreman, City of Fort Collins representative, at (970) 221-6618.
• If you have questions regarding your donation, please contact the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado at (970) 224-3462.
• To follow the Veterans Plaza on Facebook, please click here.
• To submit a name for inclusion at the plaza, please see the right-hand sidebar of this page.

The Plaza

The Plaza is located at Spring Canyon Community Park in Fort Collins, Colorado, on three acres of land close to the main entrance.

This visionary plaza incorporates paved paths, native rock, shade trees, and a stage for celebrating the liberties and freedoms that have been safeguarded by generations of American service members.

Dedicated to military service to the Nation, any veteran may be listed at the site. There is no fee for this recognition; only proof of honorable service is required. To nominate and list a veteran, please see the information on the right-hand sidebar of this page.

A bronze statue further conveys the story of generations of sacrifice. The statue depicts a World War II American soldier with a young boy seated on his shoulder. 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 is easily accessed by a paved path that will lead past two touch-screen interactive computer animated walls. One wall will continually scroll the names of nominated veterans. The other will be educational in nature and will display information regarding veterans, service, and history. Seating for an audience of up to 500 people is comprised of three rock-capped tiers. More than 80 trees will provide shade and enhance the open space atmosphere of Spring Canyon Community Park.

At the foot of the stage is the "Victory Garden." It contains soil from over 100 battlefields, American Military Cemeteries, and installations from around the world. The collection and addition of soils is an ongoing process and will continue into the future.

Timeline

Phase I of this project was completed May 29, 2011; more than 500 visitors attended the ceremony. The second and final phase of the construction is underway begun, with an expected completion date of Spring, 2012.

Donations

The Veterans Plaza has been made possible by the generous donations of the Northern Colorado community. The City of Fort Collins graciously donated land for the plaza, and private donations have been the key to creating this timeless symbol of appreciation to honor those in the armed services. Support is now needed to grow the Veterans Plaza Reserve Fund to provide for the Plaza's upkeep and maintenace in perpetuity. 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.
  

Donor Recognition

• 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 have contributed mementos to a time capsule that was set in place under the statue's pedestal. The capsule will be unearthed Veterans Day 2111. Citizens are also encouraged to add to the "Victory Garden" by collecting soils from various American Military Cemeteries, battlefields, and installations from around the world. Those wishing to gather and furnish soils will need to contact Rob Allerheiligen at rob.allerheiligen@colostate.edu or 970-691-4066 for further details.

Together we can all recognize and honor the dedication of those who have served our nation in uniform. 

Special Thanks

Thanks to Ripley Design, Inc. for their work in providing design concepts and to Major Diggs Brown for his vision and leadership.