Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park

History and Location

Located in the heart of downtown Denver, Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park is a quiet tribute to those who served. While locals might remember it as Lincoln Park or Liberty Park, it officially received its current name in 2021, with a meaningful dedication ceremony held on Veterans Day the following year.

The park sits in pretty distinguished company - bordered by Lincoln Street to the east, Broadway to the west, with Fourteenth Avenue and Colfax Avenue making up its southern and northern boundaries. It's that peaceful space you'll find between the State Capitol grounds and Denver's Civic Center Park. Interestingly, it's maintained as a State park rather than falling under the City's jurisdiction.

Monuments and Memorials

The park is home to several monuments that tell powerful stories of service and sacrifice. Perhaps the most eye-catching is the Colorado Veterans Monument, unveiled on Veterans Day in 1990. Designed by Robert Root and Richard Farley, the monument has a distinctive design.

Standing 30 feet tall and made of Lyons red sandstone, the monument features a tower with a beacon on top, symbolizing awareness and memory of veterans' sacrifices. Five brass plaques proudly display the emblems of each branch of the armed forces.

A more recent addition came in 2021 with the Colorado Fallen Heroes Memorial. Designed by Rosenman Associates Architects (who thoughtfully consulted with the Veterans Monument designers), this memorial honors Coloradans who lost their lives during major conflicts from World War I through the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The path to completing this memorial wasn't without challenges - it actually had to be rebuilt after sustaining damage during protests in Denver just before its initial completion.

Recent Additions

In April 2023, the park welcomed a striking new addition: the General Maurice Rose Monument. This bronze statue by sculptor George Lundeen commemorates a true Denver hero. Major General Rose, born and raised in Denver, was killed in action as World War II drew to a close.

His story is remarkable - he was the highest-ranking officer killed in Europe during the war and America's most decorated tank commander. Among his extraordinary achievements: accepting the first major surrender of Axis troops to American forces, leading the first invasion of Germany from the west, and being the first to breach the formidable Siegfried Line.

You'll also find a piece of American symbolism in the park's Liberty Bell replica - one of 53 exact copies cast in France back in 1950. This particular bell has its own journey: donated by steel and copper companies to the U.S. government, then gifted to Colorado by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Before finding its permanent home at the Capitol, it toured throughout Colorado as part of a U.S. Savings Bonds drive, finally being dedicated on May 26, 1950.

Community Use

While honoring veterans remains its primary purpose, the park has evolved into a meaningful community space as well. In recent years, you might have spotted holiday markets and other events aimed at supporting those in need.

The clean, open layout provides space for a contemplative stroll and reflection. Its central downtown location makes it an accessible spot to find a moment of peace amid the urban bustle, whether you're a Denver resident or just passing through.