Editor Charmaine here. I got a tip about interesting monuments across the KC metro, so I went on a scavenger hunt. Here’s four of my favorite finds.
Miniature Statue of Liberty, 716 E. 23rd Ave., North Kansas City, MO
Hidden in plain sight by North Kansas City High School is a replica Statue of Liberty standing eight-and-a-half feet tall. The plaque states the statue was donated as a part of the Boy Scouts of America’s 40th anniversary in 1950. It sits as the centerpiece of the “Honor Roll” at Memorial Park, which categorizes major US wars — starting from the Revolutionary War — and memorializes those who lost their lives.
Miniature Statue of Liberty, Meyer Boulevard. + Prospect Avenue, South KCMO
You read that right. There is another Statue of Liberty just 20 minutes south of its (fraternal) twin. This statue is a different color, resembling its mother in New York, and was gifted to the city by the Whitaker family. Lady Liberty sits in front of the Research College of Nursing and is managed by KCMO Parks and Recreation.
Abraham Lincoln + Andrew Jackson, E. 12th St., Downtown KCMO
Statues of the 16th US president and the namesake of Jackson County can be found across the street from each other. Abraham Lincoln is accompanied by his son in front of City Hall, and Andrew Jackson sits high on his horse on the steps of the courthouse.
Flags 4 Freedom, 5740 Merriam Drive, Merriam, KS
Drive through downtown Merriam, and you’ll see ~1,000 flags fluttering. In Merriam Marketplace, flags have yellow tags attached. These tags are dedications — a large majority from families to their soldiers who are deployed, missing in action, or veterans from previous wars. I grew up a military kid, so this find was the most moving for me.
There are also blue flags honoring local police officers who’ve lost their lives.
Flags 4 Freedom is an annual tradition dating back to 2006. This year, you can see the flags through Saturday, July 8.