North Carolina IV

I had read about the memorial in Jackson, N.C. and even spoken with one of the guys associated with building it, but I had no idea how awestruck I would be by actually seeing it. It has become one of my very favorites now that I have been there a couple of times.

It sits just off Lejuene blvd. outside the famous Marine camp. From the road, as you pull in to the area, it appears to be a rather nondescript wall, with an array of flags and a small marker, but if you continue down the path, over the bridge, you will find one of the largest and most magnificent memorials I have ever seen.

The path leads you up to a fountain with a reflating pool that is surrounded by a number of large pillars. All of this is encircled by 600 feet of glass on which are etched the more than 58,000 names of the lost and missing from 'Nam.

Each name is listed in alphabetical order so that one might easily find a loved one. The 3700 square feet of glass reflect the differing light of the day, the flags placed throughout, the water features, and allow one to look through from one set of names, across the pillars and the fountains, to others names. It is a remarkable effect. Stunning and  beautiful, nestled in among tall pines it is a peaceful, quite, and respectful place.

Located along with this Vietnam memorial are a tribute to the Marines killed in Beirut and a piece of the Twin Towers honoring those lost on September 11th. and very nearby is a military cemetery. This site deserves a bit of your time should be in the Jacksonville area.

Next time, on the 9th of February, we will visit  Ohio, as always at 9:00am. See you then.

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