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The vets in Alabama feared that anyone who wasn't there would be unable to do this site justice, so they did it themselves. Nearly everything at the site was designed and built by the vets. They also like to remind us that this is a Veterans Memorial, not a "War" memorial.
I think one of the most striking features of the site is the POW/MIA bracelet which stands at the edge of the site. It was designed and constructed by a local vet and is said to have the names of still missing Alabamians etched upon it. I could find no such markings and assume that they have been rubbed off by the thousands and thousands of hands that must have touched it over the years. You can see the bracelet in the first picture in the last posting and a close-up here.
A small plaque tells the story of the now familiar POW flag and another explains the POW/MIA bracelets.
Another interesting feature is the War Dogs memorial and tribute found here. As I have mentioned in previous posts these are becoming more common and I am always glad to see them.
Lastly there is a poem. Written by someone identified only as "A Vet" that expresses what so many must feel.
In the literature posted at the site, there is a quote, from JFK, that bears repeating here, too.
"A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by how it honors, the men it remembers"
That poem is beautiful. I really like this site.
ReplyDeleteThe Bracelet was constructed by local Veteran/Dentist/Humanitarian/Artist (and a few other hats) Dr Barry Lee Booth. Dr Booths passion has been instrumental in the success of too much to list but most notably Honor Flight South Alabama.
ReplyDeleteI have never met anyone that has done so much for so many and so very proud to call him my friend.
There also is another Monument constructed by Dr Booth in Daphne Alabama, on Hwy 98 by intersection Old Spanish Trail. A large bronze hand holding an American Flag. Dr Booth got the idea as he witnessed his son hold a small Flag in the air at the Vietnam Memorial dedication in Washington DC. Of the many memorials I have seen, this one remains my personal favorite. Not only does it pay respect to our Veterans, but also passes encouragement to others to be dutiful in acknowledging and pay respect to our Veterans.
ReplyDeleteAaron, for reasons that I have no explanation for, your emails just arrived to my desk today (8/26/12)! I see here that you posted comments but those, too, were never brought to my attention. The site usually does that, but not this time. Go figure. Anyway, thanks for all the info. I have been back to Alabama since I took these pics but was unaware of the site you mention. That's OK, it gives reason to get back again at some point. I'll make every effort to let you know when I head back, I would love to meet you, if possible. Mike
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