The Ames Veterans Memorial is located at 500 Grand Avenue, the northeast corner of Grand Avenue and 5th Street.

Symbols.  The memorial depicts three American symbols: Strength (represented by the eagle), Unity (represented by the flag), and Peace (represented by the dove). The star etched in concrete represents the six branches of the military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Merchant Marines, and Navy. The six blocks of sandstone benches also represent the six branches with the names etched on the side of each block.

History.  The idea of a Veterans Memorial for Ames was first proposed to the Ames Patriotic Council in 2001. The Patriotic Council solicited interested individuals to become the Ames Veterans Memorial Committee. The committee contacted the City Council to inform them of its efforts and to secure support. A linkage was made to the Public Art Commission to gain the benefit of its artistic expertise and project experience. The Ames Foundation (a tax exempt organization) originally managed contributions; currently the City of Ames provides this function, along with overseeing the care and maintenance of the memorial.

Artist. The memorial was sculpted by artist Christopher B. Bennett, a native Iowan, born 1953. He has worked as a full-time sculptor since 1979 with many public works on display throughout Iowa. A photo gallery of the memorial, which he titled "Descending Strength, Ascending Peace", can be viewed on Mr. Bennett's website at https://www.bennettstudio.com/.

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