Cole County honors military history with new courthouse statue unveiling

JEFFERSON CITY — A permanent new piece of history is officially standing on the Cole County Courthouse lawn.

Dozens gathered at the corner of Monroe and High streets on Wednesday to see the custom bronze monument commemorating America’s upcoming 250th birthday.

The statue, which features a World War I-era “Doughboy” soldier, a U.S. Marines bulldog and an iconic Missouri mule, was entirely funded and created by Vietnam veteran Joe Bryan and his wife.

For Bryan, a former Marine, the monument is deeply personal. His family historically raised and supplied mules to the military.

“I had it fester about four or five years ago thinking that would be pretty cool to do a mule statue,” Bryan said, noting that the project took three years of solo work to finish. “It’s frustrating (working on a project that long). I’m just glad my wife was supportive of the whole thing. She just said, ‘Just grind it away.’ And here we are. I’m thrilled. I hope it’s here forever.”

A unique bronze monument crafted by a local veteran honors mid-Missouri’s deep military and agricultural roots. | Josie Childers, KOMU 8 Reporter

Bryan also intentionally chose to include the Marines mascot next to the historic work animal.

“I’m a Vietnam-era Marine corporal, and the bulldog is the Marine mascot,” Bryan said. “We’ve always had bulldogs in my family, so it’s perfect.”

Beyond honoring his family’s legacy, Bryan hopes the monument serves as a springboard for the next generation of service members.

Read the entire article and watch the video on the KMOU 8 website.
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