In front of each war memorial along our walkway stands a bench dedicated to specific soldiers from our community. These benches tell the personal stories behind the service and sacrifice commemorated by the monuments themselves.
The memorial monuments, made of granite and measuring 4½ feet tall by 11 feet wide, are arranged in chronological order from west to east. Each features a center panel of gray granite flanked by slightly taller panels of black granite, bearing the inscription: “Dedicated to all Alliance area veterans who honorably served with courage and devotion during [the respective war].” The side panels display illustrations and emblems specific to each conflict, while the center includes a meaningful quote.
But it’s the benches that bring these monuments to life, honoring individual heroes whose courage exemplifies the best of our community.
World War I (1917-1918)
Captain Fred Kochli…