Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza

The Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza is dedicated in downtown Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photos by Lucas Carter.

A Legionnaire takes video of the ceremony to dedicate the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
A Legionnaire takes video of the ceremony to dedicate the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
The Kansas Post 421 Honor Guard raise the U.S. colors as the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., is dedicated on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
The Kansas Post 421 Honor Guard raise the U.S. colors as the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., is dedicated on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
The Kansas Post 400 Honor Guard raise the American Legion flag as the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., is dedicated on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
The Kansas Post 400 Honor Guard raise the American Legion flag as the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., is dedicated on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
National Commander Dale Barnett takes walks to the podium during the dedication ceremony for the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
National Commander Dale Barnett takes walks to the podium during the dedication ceremony for the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
National Commander Dale Barnett speaks during the dedication ceremony for the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
National Commander Dale Barnett speaks during the dedication ceremony for the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Breese Tomick, granddaughter of Harry Colmery, and Jean Roberts, neice of Harry Colmery, reflect on the statue of Past National Commander Colmery after it is unveiled in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Breese Tomick, granddaughter of Harry Colmery, and Jean Roberts, neice of Harry Colmery, reflect on the statue of Past National Commander Colmery after it is unveiled in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Maj. Gen. Paul E. Funk II credits the GI Bill as being the reason he's a soldier. Here, Maj. Gen. Funk speaks during the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza dedication in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Maj. Gen. Paul E. Funk II credits the GI Bill as being the reason he's a soldier. Here, Maj. Gen. Funk speaks during the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza dedication in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
National Commander Dale Barnett salutes alongside the statue of Harry W. Colmery in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
National Commander Dale Barnett salutes alongside the statue of Harry W. Colmery in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Legionnaires and community members gather to dedicate the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
Legionnaires and community members gather to dedicate the Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
In the design, Past National Commander Colmery is saluting the active duty soldiers. The Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
In the design, Past National Commander Colmery is saluting the active duty soldiers. The Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
On a panel behind him stands the same figures in their post military roles, roles which were attainable due to the GI Bill. The Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
On a panel behind him stands the same figures in their post military roles, roles which were attainable due to the GI Bill. The Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
The Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
The Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
The Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza illuminated in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.
The Harry W. Colmery Memorial Plaza illuminated in Topeka, Kan., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter/The American Legion.