The Liberty WWI Museum

Just for the record, I am a big fan of “Coastal Breeze” and ride my bike every Thursday morning to the Publix where I pick up the latest copy. However, I also like accuracy in news reporting, even the editorial page. I must take issue with the Feb 15-21 editorial by Mr. Stefanides. I realize he means well.

My grandfather, Bernard L Benson, was a member of the “356th Aero-squadron” that went to France during WWI. In his later years he told me stories about his experiences in the war etc. His best friend Russell Puton was swept overboard and died in the New York Harbor, returning from France. I was named after his best friend “Russell.”

In 1921 Kansas City broke ground for a memorial to the” Great War” veterans. It was called the Liberty Memorial. It was attended by Vice President Coolidge, and other military commanders. A local businessman, Harry Truman presented flags to the commanders. 

My grandfather continued to live in Kansas City, and became a Jeweler, working in downtown Kansas City. One day years later, a man came into his shop for a jewelry repair. He was moving back to Independence, Missouri from Washington DC. He wanted his tie clasp engraved with Independence, instead of Washington DC. My grandfather completed the change and the man was pleased. He asked, “How much do I owe you?” My grandfather said…is 10 dollars OK?  The man said boldly “WELL HELL YES!” The man was President Harry S Truman. 

For many years Kansas City allowed the Liberty Memorial to fall into disrepair and disrespect, becoming the pickup and meeting place for the ill-repute. My grandfather died in 1980 and continued to tell his war stories over and over. He never visited the Liberty Memorial or spoke of it. Following 9/11 there was a renewed interest to make the Liberty Memorial a national museum for WWI. In 2006 the Liberty World War I Museum opened to the public and is listed with all the other national war memorials as an official destination site.