My Journey with the Liberty Memorial: Legacy, Leadership, and Lessons
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There’s one place I keep returning to—the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City. Since 2012, I’ve visited it six times, and each visit has left a unique impression on me. Whether alone with my family or attending a veterans event, this monument symbolizes leadership, legacy, and sacrifice in my life. One of my favorite memories was taking my oldest son, Hunter, to the memorial. He’s turning 21 next month, and during that visit, we stood at the base of the monument overlooking Kansas City. As my wife, Mary, took a photo without prompting, Hunter raised his hand and saluted. As a father with 26 years of military service, I can tell you that moment hit me hard. That simple, unprompted, and genuine salute softened my heart in a way I wasn’t expecting. Since then, that photo has hung on the wall of my office—reminding me daily of the importance of legacy (See blog post for photos). But that’s just one visit. I’ve been to the Liberty Memorial six times, each of which has taught me something new. One visit was for a concert, where I enjoyed the music while reflecting on the history and significance of the place. Another time, I visited by myself, seeking peace and clarity in a busy world. During another visit, I brought all my kids, wanting them to understand the importance of the sacrifices that shaped our nation. One particularly impactful visit was when I attended a veterans event. The event focused on being a voice and advocate for veteran hires and mentorship in the marketplace. It was heavily attended by veterans service organizations, and the energy in the room was something I won’t forget. It reinforced the idea that leadership is about more than just what we do today—it’s about creating a lasting impact on those who come after us. In my latest blog post, I reflect on the significance of the Liberty Memorial and what it represents—not just as a monument to World War I, but as a reminder of the power of leadership, unity, and sacrifice. Here’s a quick snippet: "While I respect the efforts behind the new World War I Memorial in DC, we can’t forget that the original National WWI Memorial has stood strong in Kansas City since 1926. It was built by the people, for the people, as a tribute to those who served. It’s not just a monument—it’s a powerful lesson in leadership." To me, the Liberty Memorial isn’t just a piece of history—it’s a reminder of the importance of legacy. Whether attending a concert, taking my family, or reflecting alone, I always leave with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with purpose and build something that lasts. I’d love to hear how you’re thinking about legacy in your life and business. What moments, places, or events have shaped your view of leadership?
P.S. Also, if you ever have the chance to visit the Liberty Memorial, I highly recommend it. It’s a place of reflection, history, and leadership lessons that resonate today just as much as they did when it was first built. |
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