The Story of Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado

 

The Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado, located at 2626 West Horsetooth Road in Spring Canyon Community Park, was founded by retired U.S. Army Special Forces Major Bob "Diggs" Brown.

 

What began as a single idea has become one of Northern Colorado's most meaningful places of remembrance, education, and service. The idea took shape in 2007 while Brown was serving on the Fort Collins City Council. He attended the funeral of Marine Sgt. Nick Walsh, a Fort Collins native killed during the Battle of Fallujah. Looking around the sanctuary, Brown saw veterans from many generations gathered to honor one of their own. Sgt. Walsh's sacrifice would be permanently remembered, but Brown found himself asking a larger question: How would the thousands who served and returned home be remembered?

 

That question became the foundation of Veterans Plaza. Brown approached City Manager Darin Atteberry with a proposal to dedicate three acres in the city's newest park, Spring Canyon Community Park, for a memorial unlike any other. Together they walked the nearly completed park and selected the site visitors see today at its entrance. Before construction could begin, however, one daunting obstacle remained: raising one million dollars.

 

The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado agreed to establish the nonprofit foundation that would oversee the effort, and Brown assembled a volunteer committee. Over the next four years they designed the Plaza and raised the necessary funds—one donation at a time. Some gifts were substantial; many were modest. Brown often recalls an elderly widow who faithfully mailed ten dollars every month in memory of her husband and brother, both lost during World War II. Her quiet generosity came to symbolize the spirit that built the Plaza.

 

One fundraising meeting has become part of Plaza history. Brown presented his vision to Jerry McMorris, then owner of the Colorado Rockies. He described the amphitheater, the veterans' registry, and community events before standing to paint one final picture. "There will be a larger-than-life bronze statue of a World War II soldier," Brown said. "His rifle won't be raised. His helmet will be off. A young boy will sit on his shoulder while the soldier extends his arm, presenting to that child everything generations of veterans secured through their sacrifice.  "A tear rolled down McMorris's cheek.  "I'll commission that statue."  Today, that sculpture stands as the centerpiece of the Plaza.

 

After four years of planning and fundraising, ground was broken on a crisp February day in 2011. Veterans, civic leaders, donors, and community members gathered to watch an idea become reality. 

 

Brown is quick to credit the volunteers who transformed the vision into something enduring. Many original committee members continue to serve today, joined by new volunteers who carry the mission forward. None receive compensation. Their work is, and always has been, a labor of gratitude and respect. 

 

Since its dedication, the Plaza has become a gathering place for the entire community. Each Memorial Day weekend, thousands attend ceremonies honoring a different generation of veterans. Visitors explore the Victory Garden, where soils collected from more than 200 American battlefields, military installations, and national cemeteries symbolize the nation's military legacy. Interactive displays recognize more than 7,000 nominated veterans, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.  The Plaza also fulfills a mission beyond remembrance. Through its Vet-to-Vet Fund, one-third of all donations provide direct assistance to veterans facing financial hardship, housing challenges, or other urgent needs.

 

Open year-round, the Plaza belongs to the community. It has hosted military promotions, commissioning ceremonies, weddings, memorial services, educational programs, and civic gatherings. It has become not only one of Fort Collins' most visited landmarks but also one of its most meaningful.  The mission remains as clear today as when the idea first emerged in a quiet church sanctuary:  To Honor. To Educate. To Serve.