Jackson County plans World War II memorial in downtown Kansas City
Monument to be placed in Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park, with opening planned for April
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Jackson County leaders have plans for a World War II memorial in downtown Kansas City. The memorial is set to open in April, and the monument is already being made by a local company.
Funding and location
Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota said the county will use about $25,000 from its parks budget to pay for the monument. It will be placed in Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park. LeVota said the memorial will serve a purpose for future generations.
“It will serve as a reminder to future generations that freedoms we enjoy came at a tremendous cost,” LeVota said.
LeVota also said Kansas City and Jackson County do not have a memorial devoted specifically to World War II.
“It’s kinda surprising that there is not a World War II memorial specifically devoted to World War II in Kansas City and Jackson County,” LeVota said.
Kansas City is known for its preservation of World War I history. Jackson County leaders said they want to show veterans’ families that their sacrifice in World War II is also remembered and appreciated.
Design and timeline
The county is working with Frisbie Monuments, an Independence business, to design and make the monument. The monument will stand about 6 feet tall.
The plan is to have the monument finished by March. The memorial is set to open sometime in April.
Frisbie family connection
Kevin Frisbie, vice president of Frisbie Monuments, said the project is personal for him. His grandfather served in World War II, and his father served in the Korean War.
“It means a lot. My grandfather was in World War II. That means a lot to honor everybody that served in the war. My father was in the Korean War. It’s a good honor to have them ask us to participate in helping put it together,” Frisbie said.
Frisbie said he thinks the memorial will give people a place to think about loved ones.
“I think it’s gonna make, especially older people that wanna think about their loved ones and come here and reminisce. I think it’s gonna be nice for the community,” Frisbie said.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.