Culture Wyoming

Wyoming Military Department Announces Call for Artist to Create Memorial Statue at State Veterans Cemetery

Wyoming Military Department Announces Call for Artist to Create Memorial Statue at State Veterans Cemetery
Evansville Veteran's Cemetery, Google Maps
  • PublishedMay 27, 2025

The Wyoming Military Department is inviting artists to submit proposals for a life-size bronze statue to be installed at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery in Evansville, K2 Radio reports.

The planned sculpture will honor the service and sacrifice of modern-day Soldiers and will serve as a place of reflection for families, veterans, and visitors.

Established in 1983, the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery spans 115 acres and provides a final resting place for more than 5,300 veterans and their families. Located on a ridge overlooking Casper Mountain and the North Platte River, the cemetery occupies historically significant ground once traveled by pioneers along the Oregon-California and Bozeman Trails. Nearby sandstone cliffs at Reshaw Crossing still bear the inscriptions of early travelers, bridging the region’s past with its ongoing legacy of service.

The statue will depict a Soldier in full battle gear and is intended to convey themes of grief, patriotism, and sacrifice. It will join existing memorials at the cemetery as a tribute to those who have served in recent conflicts.

Artists interested in contributing to this meaningful project must submit their proposals by June 20, 2025. The selected artist will help further the cemetery’s role as not only a place of rest, but also a space for remembrance and connection.

Joe Yans

Joe Yans is a 25-year-old journalist and interviewer based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. As a local news correspondent and an opinion section interviewer for Wyoming Star, Joe has covered a wide range of critical topics, including the Israel-Palestine war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and the 2025 LA wildfires. Beyond reporting, Joe has conducted in-depth interviews with prominent scholars from top US and international universities, bringing expert perspectives to complex global and domestic issues.