Behind the Eagan Community Center, the Tribute and Memorial Plaza has long stood as a place for reflection and remembrance. It quietly honors those who have served, offering a space where stories of sacrifice and dedication live on. Soon, it will tell a more complete story that reflects the full scope of military service.
The Eagan Women Veterans Memorial, led by American Legion Post 594 in partnership with the City of Eagan, is working to bring a long-overdue addition to the plaza. A statue honoring women who have served in every branch of the military is planned, with a fundraising goal of $35,000 and a hopeful installation by Memorial Day 2026.
For Bri Beltran and Cindy Yanchury, this project is both personal and community-driven. It began with a simple but powerful realization about who is represented and who is not. While the plaza honors service members, there has been no visual recognition of women.
“There are no statues for female veterans,” Bri shared, reflecting on how easy it has been to overlook that absence. That realization sparked a conversation that quickly turned into action and a shared commitment to change.
Honoring Women Veterans in Eagan
Cindy recalls that the idea first surfaced a few years ago when a community member asked why women were not represented at the Plaza. At the time, the scope of the project made it difficult to move forward. Still, the question stayed with her, and when it came up again, it carried new momentum and purpose.
Women have served in the military for generations, often without the same level of visibility as their male counterparts. Today, their presence continues to grow across all branches of service. More than 2.1 million women veterans live in the U.S. today.
For Cindy, service began as a path to education and independence. She joined the Navy shortly after high school, motivated by the opportunities offered through the GI Bill. Her experience came with challenges, especially as one of the few women at her duty station, but she remained determined and would choose that path again.
Bri’s journey reflects a different generation but a similar sense of purpose. She joined the Army National Guard seeking opportunity and direction. Today, she continues that mission through leadership in the American Legion and her work supporting veterans in the community.
Community Support for the Eagan Veterans Memorial
But it’s not just Bri and Cindy who have a passion for the project.
For Dr. Shelly Recer, service was inspired by family legacy and a desire to follow in the footsteps of those before her. During her time in the military, she gained leadership skills, resilience, and discipline that carried over into her career as a chiropractor.
Colleen Vaubel’s journey began with uncertainty but became a path of personal growth. After joining the Women’s Army Corps, she found direction, eventually rising through the ranks and retiring as a captain.
Wayne Beierman, a Vietnam veteran and leader within the American Legion, has seen how recognition has evolved. Early in his involvement, he noticed how often female veterans were left out of the conversation, which led him to advocate for greater inclusion.
These stories, while different, share a common thread of growth, sacrifice, and service. Yet for many women, that service has not always been visible in the places where communities gather to remember. The Eagan Women Veterans Memorial aims to change that.
Fundraising efforts continue with support from local organizations, including the Eagan Rotary, the Lions Club, and SYNERGY HomeCare of Eagan. Community members are also being invited to contribute.
For Bri, the goal is not about standing apart but about standing alongside fellow veterans. Representation, in this case, reflects the reality of those who have served and continue to serve. This memorial is more than a statue. It is a recognition of the women who have always been part of the story, even when their presence was not fully acknowledged.
“This memorial reflects the women already serving beside us and reminds future generations their service belongs, here and always.”