The various counties and cities of the state of Kansas are hereby authorized and empowered to vote bonds or incur indebtedness in the manner hereinafter prescribed for the erection of such memorials as may be petitioned for as suitable and proper to commemorate the valorous achievements of the citizens of the respective cities or counties who as soldiers, sailors and marines entered the service of the United States during the war with Mexico, the Indian wars, the war of the rebellion, the Spanish-American war, world war I, including therein those devoted women of the corps of the Red Cross nurses attached to the service of the United States, and world war II, also persons who have served with the armed forces of the United States during the military, naval and air operations in Korea or other places under the flags of the United States and the United Nations or under the flag of the United States alone, and those citizens of the county or municipality who enlisted in the military, naval or Red Cross service during world war I, or world war II; also persons who have served with the armed forces of the United States during the military, naval and air operations in Korea or other places under the flags of the United States and the United Nations or under the flag of the United States alone. Such memorial so petitioned for may consist of a building, monument, arch, or other structure, or improved highway, park or boulevard.