Local veterans center breaks ground on Patriot Park

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Recognizing veterans of all branches of the armed forces, that’s exactly the aim of Patriot Park, which broke ground Friday at the entrance of St. Michael’s Veterans Center. 

A small crowd of veterans, families of vets, and St. Michael’s officials gathered to kick off construction of the park. It’s a place VA officials said is one for all veterans of the armed forces, no matter the role.

The park will be situated on the 24-acre VA campus, where hundreds of veterans come each day for healthcare services, many of them living there as well. Those in attendance detail the park’s importance not only for veterans, but the community.

“We were called to duty, so we did what we were supposed to do, protect this country, and it’s nice to see that they are being recognized,” retired U.S. Marine Ozy McDaniel Jr. said.

“All roles are a part of the mission, so every branch, every service member, no matter your role was in the military, was a part of the mission,” Susan Engel, Executive Director of St. Michael’s Veterans Center said.

Engel said the park will officially be finished this fall.

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