Pittsburg State University Veterans Memorial Amphitheater

The PSU Veterans Memorial is made up of two interlocking crescent-shaped earthen berms. The berms encircle a lower amphitheater, creating a quiet, secluded space. Visitors arrive on a broad plaza made up of granite pavers inscribed with the names of veterans and a wall bearing the seals of the five military branches. Upon entering the amphitheater, visitors will see two large bronze sculptures representing military strength on the east side and world peace on the west. Stretching across the back of the amphitheater is a black granite half-scale replica of the Vietnam Wall. In the center is a tall, stone clad 'architrave' flanked on either side by walls bearing famous quotes about service and sacrifice. At the top center of the architrave is a circle in which sits an eternal flame. In front of the architrave is a circular reflecting pool designed to have a hole or cavity in the water representing the incompleteness that exists when soldiers do not return from war. More pavers bearing the names of service men and women cover the floor of the amphitheater. Facing the architrave, the reflecting pool and the half-scale Vietnam Wall, seating extends from east to west in a half circle. As of May 2018, the memorial contains 3400 engraved memorial pavers honoring any person, living or dead, who has served in any branch of the military.