Post 34 in Gordon, Neb., continues to expand the memorial to veterans.
The Veterans Memorial Park in Gordon, Neb., has grown into a powerful tribute to those who served, thanks to the efforts of American Legion Post 34 and the local community. What began as a wall honoring 270 Sheridan County veterans has expanded over four years to including more than 775 names, funded entirely through donations and the sale of engraved bricks. At the heart of the park stand the four pillars of the American Legion, each representing a core value: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth.
Located along Highway 20, the National Medal of Honor Highway, the park also honors 74 Medal of Honor recipients from Nebraska. One of its most striking additions is the statue titled “No Man Left Behind,” donated by the Detachment of Nebraska Sons of The American Legion. The 7-foot, 2,000-pound bronze figure depicts a Vietnam soldier carrying a wounded comrade and is placed in front of a restored AH-1 Cobra Helicopter, adding realism and emotional depth to the site.
In addition to this powerful piece, the park features statues representing branches of the U.S. military — Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force — making it a place of reflection, honor and community pride. With over $750,000 in donated labor and materials to date, the Veterans Memorial Park stands as a lasting symbol of gratitude for those who served and sacrificed.
NOTE: This article first appeared in the September 2025 issue of The Millennium, a monthly PDF newsletter created by volunteer SAL members from across the nation. The Millennium is included in each month’s national SAL e-newsletter. Subscribe for free at https://www.legion.org/information-center/in-the-media/e-newsletters.
- Sons