Dedication scheduled for Vernon Baker bronze

Published on April 09, 2025

The City of Cheyenne will host a dedication ceremony for a new bronze statue honoring the late Vernon Baker, a Cheyenne native and United States Army First Lieutenant who received the Medal of Honor for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty” during World War II.

In 1997, President Bill Clinton presented the long-overdue honor to Baker, making him the only living recipient among seven African American soldiers who were retroactively awarded the Medal of Honor for their valor during the war.

The ceremony will be Wednesday, April 16, at 1 p.m. in the 2000 block of O’Neil Avenue. The bronze of Vernon Baker will be located in Civic Commons Park.

The bronze is the result of local fundraising efforts, particularly by Ed Galavotti, who wanted to ensure Baker’s story was remembered in Cheyenne. Heidy Baker, Vernon Baker’s wife, is planned to be in attendance at the ceremony.

A public meet and greet with Heidy Baker will follow the ceremony from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott, 1820 West Lincolnway. Light refreshments and appetizers will be provided.

This statue will serve not only as a tribute to Vernon Baker’s courage and sacrifice, but also as a permanent reminder of the legacy of honor, resilience, and service that he represents.

To learn more about Vernon Baker, visit https://www.nps.gov/people/vernonbaker.htm.