North Carolina VII

In this, the third and final post from Durham, I want to share a few more of the details of this remarkable site.

The reverse side of the "Book" makes a number of statements and clarifications not often seen at these sites. It is obvious that much thought and devotion went in to the planning and rebuilding of this monument.

This is the first memorial I have seen to combine Vietnam with September 11th. The glare from the sum made this particularly hard to read, so here is what it says.

We fought in the North

We fought in the South

Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos

Dedicated August 8, 1992

Vandalized January 30, 2001

Restored

Rededicated in the Millenium year 

of our Lord

Sunday Veteran's Day

November 11, 2001

A tribute

In memory of September 11, 2001

Let us as a people never forget

It is all about time

The past, the present, the future

The opposite panel explains the various symbols found on the memorial, and there are many. Again, a lot of thought and effort went into creating this site.

This thought is reflected at many sites and is worth remembering.

 

As long time readers will recall, I am always pleased to find memorials that include the noble dogs (War Dogs) that worked with us. protected us and were our friends during this difficult time. I had a dog in 'Nam, not an Army dog, just a dog and she was the best. I tried to bring her home with me, but she had a batch of 10 puppies just weeks after we cleared animal husbandry. So, I could not afford to bring the pups (it cost two months pay just to bring her) and I could not abandon them so I passed "Short timer" and the pups on to a buddy, it nearly broke my heart. 

You are most likely aware that, now, many of these great animals come home with their "person", but this was not always the case. These dogs were just abandoned in Vietnam, I do not know if we even know how many, after protecting us, were just left to fend for them selves. It still is one of (the many) things that infuriate me.

I have often said that one of the "Silver Linings" of Vietnam is that we have learned to never treat a returning vet like that again. Perhaps, another is that we now allow the dogs to come home, too. I am not sure if this always happens, but at least sometimes it does.

Next time, on the 27th, we return to Pennsylvania, so join me there at 9:00am.

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

North Carolina VI

The Durham North Carolina memorial has inscription on each side. The left panel speaks to the sacrifice made by so very many.

The right panel honors all who served, those lost and those who visit the site.

The names of those lost or MIA are inscribeed upon the blavk "V" adjacent to the panels.

Others are honored in the surrounding brick plaza.

Next time , on the 22nd, I will show several additional interesting components of this beloved memorial. So, join me at 9:00am.

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

North Carolina V

A few vets from the Durham area wanted to build a memorial to those who served and sacrificed so much in Vietnam. Rather than wait for approval form others, they set about building it themselves.

After some time, they raised money, designed and built it at the Edison-James Recreation Center which is part of the Museum of Life and Science. It is along a beautiful wooded path and is called a living memorial. It lists the names of the 38 killed and 1 MIA from the area.

The memorial was dedicated in 1992 and then for reasons still unknown, somebody took a piece of construction machinery and destroyed it in 2001! The community was devastated but their anger soon turned to action and it was rebuilt. This time, rather than a few vets working for it, the whole community pitched in. Money, labor, and materials were donated substantially reducing the cost of rebuilding the site.

Some had said it was as if their loved ones had been killed again, but the efforts to rebuild and improve the site brought many together again.

Today, I will show you a few initial photos. In the next one or two posts I will concentrate upon some of the details.

Rebuilt in the original wooded spot, the memorial, I think, is better than ever.

There are five benches that invite ivisitors to sit and reflect. Each bench represents one branch of the service. The flags are National, State and POW/MIA. The POW/MIA in particular is very faded. I once had a guy, who was in charge of replacing flags for his city, tell me that flags generally last about 30 days. so, the cost must become an issue at some point.

The memorial itself is polished granite and contains, names, quotes and maps. I will show them in more detail in the next post.

So, join me on the 17th, at 9:00am for more from Durham, North Carolina.

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