Connecticut XXIII

This beautiful memorial park is in Stamford, Connecticut.

Like most of these, it honors many for many eras and wars. Called, Veterans Memorial Park it was dedicated in 1977 and is located on Atlantic Street, near Main Street.

There are a number of components here, a statue to Lincoln, a Doughboy from WWII, a marker to the founders of the town among the tributes to WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

This one featuring two grieving women speaks to the loss of war and those left behind.

The In Memoriam marker lists the more than 200 from Stamford who gave their lives in WWII, Korea, and 'Nam.  There are 26 from 'Nam, grouped by branch of service.

There are plans to erect a tribute to a local Medal of Honor recipient.

Next time, on the 23rd, we will revisit Georgia, so, join me there, as always, at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from Connecticut, or any other state, click the state name on the left side of this page.

California XXIX

Inglewood California is less than four miles from LAX. I drove over to see if I could find a memorial I had heard about.

The memorial which honors those lost from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam sits on the lawn of the City Hall.

Topped by an Eagle, it list many names but does not designate in which of these wars war they may have fought and died.

The memorial may be found near the corner of Manchester Blvd, E and Grenville Avenue S.

Next time, on the 18th, we will venture back to Connecticut, so join me there at 9:00am.To see additional memorials from California, or any other state, click on the state name on the left side of this page.

Arizona

The Vietnam Memorial Trail was the dream of a couple of Vets from the Peoria, AZ. area. They wanted a place to reflect upon the war, the sacrifices so many made, and just to remember.

In February of 2009 they had the trail in place.

The trail from the trail head to the flag is 1,429 feet and all along the path are markers telling some of the story or memorial markers to specific individuals.

 There are 15 narrative markers and 27 memorializing specific people.

The trail is not difficult and once you reach the top there are a couple of benches along with the dedication marker and the flag. The view from the top is quite beautiful.

I noticed that folks had built small cairns in several places. I looked up what these might mean and it seems that cairns have been used since long before history for any number of reasons. Here, I like to think they are a sign of respect, but one cannot be too sure. I placed the small stone on the top of this one, you can barely see it here as it blends so well with the stone upon which it rests.

There is some concern that this land will be sold by the government and this memorial may be lost, those involved are working hard to have the city of Peoria purchase the site and preserve the memorial.

Next time, on the 13th, we will once again visit California, so join me there, as usual, at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from Arizona, or any other state, click the state name on the left side of this page.

Alabama VI

While visiting Birmingham on this last trip to Alabama, we came across references to a Veterans Memorial Park, so, naturally, we decided to check it out.

When we arrived all we found was this trailer and the sign and we thought, "Oh, the park is the memorial," but we decided to walk down the path a bit anyway.

Not too far off into the woods we came upon this astounding memorial.

Inside the memorial are more that 11,000 names of Alabamans that have died defending the country in our 20th and 21st century wars, the obelisk like feature and a variety of quotations from the Presidents during the various wars.

The pillars, outside, are individual tributes to 36 heroes among whom are the 25 Medal of Honor recipients from Georgia. I will write more about them in a later post.

1224 are listed as the lost from Alabama

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Upon the walls are these quotes from Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon regarding our efforts in Southeast Asia.

Next time, we will return to Arizona, so join me there as always at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from Alabama, or any other state, click on the state name on the left side of this page

Washington XI

Bellingham, Washington has a couple of memorials that include our comrades from Vietnam.

This one is located at 311 Grand Avenue.

It is among a couple of others to the World Wars and the Global War on Terror and honors 26 of Bellingham's sons.

Elegant in its simplicity it sits surrounded by Native American totems, albeit a more modern version, a common site in this part of the country.

Next time, on the 3rd of august, we will revisit Alabama, so join me there at 9:00am.

To see other memorials from Washington, or any other state, click the state name on the left side of this page.

South Dakota XX

Hurley, South Dakota represents another of those great stories about small towns.

This memorial, in a park, sits on Central Street and honors all who served. It is not a specific Vietnam memorial but it was just so neat I wanted to include it here.

Hurley has a population of 415 as of the 2010 census and they were dedicated and determined enough to find a way to honor their vets.

Nearby, this stage says it all.

 

Next time, on the 29th, we will return to Washington, so join me there at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from South Dakota, or any other state, click the state name on the left side of this page.

Pennsylvania XXII

This will be the second or third time I have written something about Bristol Borough in Pennsylvania.

This time I will show you a more general veterans memorial dedicated to all from the area who have served.

It is really quite beautiful.

As great as this memorial is, I can find very little about it. I know that it was originally a WWII memorial that has been expanded to include all.

These panels honor  POW's, Purple Heart recipients, MIA's and Women in the Military.

I may be mistaken, but I think the names listed on the plaques are those who served in the various services, while the names in the stars, below, are those who were lost.

Bricks are inlaid all around the surrounding plaza and these are more specific to individuals and the wars in which they served.

It is very unusual to find a town, or borough in this case, that goes so far out of it's way to honor those who have served. I think special recognition for Bristol is well deserved.

Next time, on the24th, we will return to South Dakota, so, as usual, meet me there at 9:00am.

To see other memorials from Pennsylvania, or any other state, click on the state name on the left side of this page.