Veterans' Memorial Committee

A Final Salute

Many Peoria County citizens gave their lives in defense of freedom in conflicts since the World Wars I and II.  In numerous wars and conflicts, Peoria's men and women have answered their country's call to service. With the help of many public and private donations, Peoria County is able to honor these veterans with a new Veterans Memorial to honor the Korean War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Gulf, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the War on Terrorism, as well as any future conflicts - completing the War Memorial Project. The memorial provides a beautiful place to remember our loved ones, as well as historical education for generations to come. 

The Peoria County Veterans Memorial is a fitting addition to the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza. It is a place for visitors to reflect and reconnect with history. It also provides a quiet place of peace and serenity; a fitting tribute to the Citizens of Peoria we wish to honor. 

Design

The design of the memorial lists 106 names of the fallen from Peoria County during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The memorial design also allows additional names to be engraved if necessary - as well as providing a brief history of the many conflicts and wars from Korea to the present and beyond. The memorial will be guarded by three bronze statues of individual soldiers in a vision of soldiers on patrol. The memorial is located on the center section of the courthouse plaza facing Adams Street, between the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and the World Wars I and II Memorial.

Contributions

You may contribute in different ways:

  • As a Patriot donor with permanent acknowledgment at Memorial
  • Purchase an inscribed brick paver to be set into the foundation of the Memorial

This downloadable form (PDF) provides an avenue to make a donation.

All contributions and pledges should be made payable to:

The Peoria County Veterans' Memorial Fund
324 Main Street
Suite G-02
Peoria, Illinois 61602

Patriot Donations

  • Platinum Patriot: $75,000 and above
  • Gold Patriot: $50,000 to $74,999
  • Silver Patriot: $25,000 to $49,999
  • Bronze Patriot: $10,000 to $24,999
  • Emerald Patriot: $5,000 to $9,999
  • Ruby Patriot: $1,000 to $4,999

All Patriot Contributors will be acknowledged on a granite or bronze marker adjacent to the memorial.

Memorial Pavers or Foundation Bricks

  • 4 by 8 inches (3 lines, 20 characters per line): $150 
  • 12 by 12 inches (9 lines, 21 characters per line): $500

The Peoria County Veterans' Memorial Committee is an official sub-committee of the Peoria County Board. The Internal Revenue Service considers the County of Peoria to be a qualified charitable organization under IRS Code Section: 170 (c) (1). Therefore, we understand that this is a charitable contribution for which you receive no direct benefit. However, you are advised to consult your tax professional for questions and tax deductibility.

About the Committee

The Peoria County Veterans Memorial is an official project of Peoria County. As such, Peoria County Veterans' Memorial Committee members are appointed by the Peoria County Board.

This committee is currently in flux. Questions regarding it should be directed to Peoria County Board c/o Jan Kleffman: jkleffman@peoriacounty.org or (309) 495-5109.

Committee members instrumental to the Veterans' Memorial Project: Former Peoria County Clerk Steve Sonnemaker (Chairman), Former State's Attorney Jerry Brady, Ken Baker, Peter Couri Jr., Medal of Honor Award Recipient Hal Fritz, J. Ryan Hubbard, County Board Member Phil Salzer, Brice Thiemann (Vice Chairman), Peoria City Councilman Eric Turner, Former Peoria County Auditor Carol Van Winkle