The Missouri Mule & Veterans Statue:
Remembering the Military Contributions Made by the Missouri Mule
by Cori Daniels
In the midst of celebrating America’s 250th birthday, a group of Missourians gathered to honor and remember our military, both human and animal alike. A ceremony dedicating a 1-ton bronze statue featuring a World War I-era U.S. Marine alongside a Missouri mule and a bulldog named Babe was held on June 24, 2026, in Cana Hall at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City, Mo. The statue, which now permanently stands on the corner of the Cole County Courthouse in Jefferson City, Mo., was donated by Marine Cpl. Joe Bryan, whose grandfather contributed mules to the World War I effort.
The ceremony opened with a presentation of colors and the singing of the National Anthem, which the crowd joined in. Speakers included Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, as well as county officials, veteran groups, Joe Bryan, and Cole County 250th Committee Chairman Cliff Olsen. Historian Bob Priddy served as the master of ceremonies.
Bob Priddy noted that Missouri mules could perform at any time and in any weather. He also shared that Missouri provided twice as many mules to World War I as France and Germany did combined.
Joe Bryan, a Vietnam-era Marine, said he had the idea for a statue dedicated to the Missouri mule ever since he was young, when his grandfather told him the story of how he had donated all the mules on his farm to the war effort. The thought festered for 60 to 70 years, and throughout that time, he said he never saw a military mule statue. He emphasized that the statue represents all military members, from the Revolutionary War to today. The bulldog is a symbol for the U.S. Marines, who are affectionately nicknamed "Devil Dogs."
Missouri National Guard Brigadier Gen. Robert Payne said that the three figures in the statue tell an important story: the Doughboy represents Americans who answered the call to serve, the bulldog represents the U.S. military’s toughness and fighting spirit, and the mule represents their strength, grit, and determination. "As we prepare to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, this monument statue reminds us that every generation has a role to play," Payne said.
Surrounding the stone at the base of the statue are several plaques. One is ‘A Heartfelt Tribute to USO Legends’ that thanks the unwavering dedication and generosity of entertainers like Bob Hope, Raquel Welch, John Wayne, and many others for volunteering their time and talents to US troops worldwide. One side lists fallen soldiers; another side features a plaque featuring a poem in recognition of troops who never returned home from war. Another plaque outlines the history of Missouri Military Mules, reading in part: “From the Battle of Wilson’s Creek in 1861 to the trenches of World War I, and the rugged landscape of World War II, Missouri Mules have proven themselves to be loyal and reliable companions to American troops. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the course of American history, and their legacy continues to be celebrated to this day.”
Governor Kehoe added that the statue was about honoring the very character of Missouri. “For 250 years, America has stood as the pinnacle of hope and opportunity for the world, but that story was not built overnight. It was built by generations of Americans who worked hard, sacrificed, and believed they could leave things better than how they found them,” said Governor Kehoe. “Perhaps there is no better symbol of that spirit here in Missouri than the Missouri mule: strong, dependable, hard-working.”
For the second part of this story, which covers the history of Missouri Mules in War, please see the July 2026 issue of Mules and More, available for purchase at: https://www.mulesandmore.com/back-issues/p/726