New Picnic Tables Arrive at Patriot Plaza

Sometimes the best things at Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial happen when people come together.

For quite some time, Executive Director Rae Lynn Munoz imagined adding picnic tables to Patriot Plaza. She envisioned a place where Veterans could gather for breakfast on Tuesday mornings, where students could enjoy lunch after a field trip, and where visitors could sit, relax, and spend time together.

Recently, that vision became a reality.

When Rae Lynn shared the idea with Volunteer Sara Boland, Sara generously offered to fund the picnic tables in memory of her father, Raymond Schweigert. Her gift made the project possible and created a meaningful way to honor his memory.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Jack Unverferth, a Perryville native, was searching for a service project as he worked toward earning the rank of Eagle Scout. When the picnic tables arrived, Jack and his fellow Scouts stepped up to assemble them, turning a generous gift into something visitors can enjoy for years to come.

The project is a reminder of what can happen when people work together to support a shared mission. Volunteers, Scouts, donors, and community members all play an important role in helping Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial remain a welcoming place for Veterans, families, students, and visitors.

The next time you visit the National Memorial, we invite you to stop by Patriot Plaza and see the new picnic tables for yourself. Better yet, take a seat, enjoy the view, and stay awhile.

We extend our sincere thanks to Sara Boland, Jack Unverferth, and the Scouts who helped bring this project to life.