The idea for a memorial for the war dead of Atchison County came into being June 10, 1968, but due to lack of interest it was dropped. Later in 1969, the idea was again brought up and was received with enthusiasm by the Ralph Greer Post No. 49 of the American Legion with a decision to go ahead with plans and solicitation for funds.

Commander Conley Bennington appointed a three-man committee composed of Orville Loomis, Floyd Million and Hardin Cox, who started the fund drive with the help of “The Atchison County Mail.” Response was good and each Post 49 Legionnaire was sent a letter explaining the project and encouraging him to donate no matter how little or how much. This was the only solicitation of funds with the rest coming from free will donations from citizens all over the county. The “Tarkio Avalanche” and “Fairfax Forum” published news releases spreading the word and “The Mail” ran a weekly thermometer and list of donors.

At a meeting of Post No. 49 in December, Willis McCoy made the motion of eligibility as follows adopted by the Post, “Whereas, the American Legion of Atchison County, Mo., desires to establish a Peace Memorial to include all personnel of any branch of the military service of the United States who have lost their lives while on active duty, Now, Therefore, be it Resolved that the names of all personnel of any branch of the military service of the United States, residents of Atchison County, Mo., at the time that they may have lost their lives while on active duty shall be placed upon said Memorial to be located on the site of the Memorial Building in Rock Port, Mo.” An amendment January 3rd added “except any service member who commits an act of crime would be ineligible.”

The local Selective Service Board and Adjutant General’s Office in Jefferson City were contacted about eligible names and county newspapers ran two listings of names and friends and relatives helped compile the list.

Allen Monuments, Maryville, was selected as the contractor to furnish and erect the monument of ebony and white marble. The list of names was sent to the company February 28 and the monument was erected May 2. It was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, 1970.

The Peace Memorial is designed so that if necessary, a second wing matching the South wing can be added. The American Legion Ralph Greer Post No. 49 as home post, in cooperation with the other posts of Atchison County, is now in charge of the Memorial and has control of its upkeep. Additional names must be cleared through Post 49.