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LAS VEGAS, NV (August 2nd, 2016) — Let’s be honest: when tourists think of Las Vegas –heck, when even locals think of Las Vegas– one gets a mental image. That image involves the legendary Strip, where every night is what my dad would call “amateur night,”: roving packs of highly inebriated frat bros and tiara-toting bachelorette parties, courageously clad in too-tight clothing, hoovering up frozen margaritas from drinking vessels the shape and size of guitars. The town of, ‘What Happens Here Stays Here.’ It’s the Entertainment Capital of the World. Glitter Gulch. Sin City. It’s safe to say that ‘culture’ is not traditionally part of that image. 
And yet, culture abounds in this town. Just north of the Strip is a conglomerate of sites, organizations and institutions dedicated to promoting culture make up the Las Vegas Cultural Corridor. Traditional institutions that one would assume would be part of such a group, such as the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Las Vegas Library, and the Old Mormon Fort are in partnership with organizations that could only happen in Vegas. The Neon Museum. The Mob Museum. The Burlesque Hall of Fame was only recently taken off. And the most recent addition to its ranks is the new Nevada State Veterans Memorial, which was recently inducted into the Las Vegas Cultural Corridor by a unanimous board vote.  
The memorial was dedicated by Governor Brian Sandoval during a large ceremony this May. It is a two acre memorial and park featuring 18 larger-than-life statues spanning 200 years of American history, from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror. Bordering the statues are jagged walls of black granite –4,000 feet worth–covered in touching historical quotes. Those interested may purchase personalized bricks venerating the service of themselves or loved ones, while the reverential park-like setting provides a quiet and introspective atmosphere. Taken from the ceremony program, “This memorial is a place to commemorate the common bond of service, a place for reunion, reflection, and healing. It serves as a reminder that we should forever honor the proud principles upon which our nation was founded, and that we will never forget the spirit and heroism of those who have, and will, answer the call of duty.” 
Not many natives, and even less tourists, frequent the Cultural Corridor as much as they do the Strip. However, the movement is growing in popularity –the Mob Museum is continuing its celebration of Cuban culture with its ‘Hot Havana Nights’ program, while the Neon Museum has increased its traffic exponentially with its outdoor Hot Yoga series. Founded in 2010, the Cultural Corridor is still relatively young, especially in comparison to the other attractions in Vegas. Culture takes time. What’s timeless, though, is this nation’s gratitude for its veterans, and the Nevada State Veterans Memorial is a welcome addition to the state, city, and to other institutions hoping to add to our cultural legacy.