Most people do not recognize the name Harry Colmery, but The American Legion is trying to change that. The organization plans to commemorate the man who has been called the "unsung hero of American Veterans" by building a memorial park in Topeka, Kansas.
So, who exactly was Harry W. Colmery? After moving to Topeka from his home state of Pennsylvania, Colmery spent his early years in Kansas practicing law. However, in April 1917, he joined the Army Air Service during World War I. Upon discharge from the military, Colmery made it his mission to advocate for the fair treatment of veterans and servicemembers, according to the Topeka-Capital Journal. He joined the American Legion and was quickly promoted within the organization. The news source reported that in 1936, Colmery was elected the national commander of the American Legion.
That same year, hundreds of veterans who had not yet received their service benefits marched on Washington, D.C. Their action inspired Colmery to write the first draft of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. Colmery's act would later become known at the GI Bills of Rights, which would guarantee education and other benefits to the nation's servicemembers. Some even argue that Colmery's proposal helped build a middle class in the country and helped avoid a major post-war recession. Because Colmery had such a lasting impact on the country, the American Legion, the organization Colmery was so dedicated to, is organizing a memorial park in his honor.
"Every person I feel in this United States has benefited either directly or indirectly from his efforts in making sure that bill went through Congress, like myself, I had a GI Bill to buy my first home," Raymond Vail, the director of American Legion's Department of Kansas extension, told WIBW.com.
The group has stated that the park will be a block away from the Topeka Capital Building and will house a statue of Colmery. Fundraising for the project began in April, and so far the American Legion has collected $264,000. The Topeka-Capital Journal reported that the total cost of the park and the statue is estimated at about $320,000, including future upkeep.
The organizers of the project told the news source they hope to break ground and complete the park within the next year. City officials believe that the memorial will draw visitors to Topeka and will educate them on the life and service of Harry W. Colmery.