Tennessee III

I had the great honor of being invited by the Soddy-Daisy Chapter of Vietnam Veteran's of America (Chap. 942) to join some of them for breakfast while in the town. I had a great time visiting this great group of guys and learning about their chapter and their memorial. My thanks to them all!

The memorial sits in a Veteran's Park in the town that has a number of other memorials in it including a very poignant one to 911.

The Huey that is the centerpiece of the 'Nam site dominates the scene. One could easily believe that it is protecting all the others from intrusion or harm, just as it must have done for so many while in country. She served in '66 and '67, was damaged on several occasions but never brought down. Later, she served as a trainer and in National Guard Units until retirement.

The first image is of the coin the chapter had made. When I admired it, they kindly gave me one. I carry it all the time. Thanks, guys!

This site has so many interesting components that I think it may take more than one post to do it justice. More in the next post. Remember, I post every 5 days at 9:00 am and also, remember that if you click on a picture, it will enlarge for easier viewing.

Tennessee II

In Springfield, Tn. I found this memorial to the 13 from the area who perished in 'Nam. It is located on the grounds of the Robinson County Court House at 5th and Main streets.

I, also, found this link to a memorial site for Darrell Heatherly, the first man listed on this simple, yet elegant, granite memorial. It is a fitting tribute.

http://www.qsl.net/wd4ngb/heatherly.htm

Tennessee

Leaving Kentucky, I drove south into Tennessee. The state memorial is located at the War Memorial Plaza in Nashville. I tracked the site down and took a few pics, but it was raining and I was not very happy with the photos. I decided to come back at night and try some illuminated shots. I returned around midnight, the rain had stopped, but it was bitter cold. I heard on the radio that it was one of the coldest nights ever in Nashville. As a result an organization was there passing out food and drink to the city's homeless population. The place was very busy. It was not a good time to take pictures and seemed somewhat inappropriate to do so. I left the city the next day as the weather was bad, once again.

About a week later, after going through other parts of Tennessee and Alabama, I returned and found a good, if cold, day and was able to get some shots.

The War Memorial Plaza is a rather small area and I found it very difficult to photograph the statue and the Wall together. I had seen pictures previously of the statue and the Wall separately and now I understand why this is necessary. The only way I could find to get the whole picture was from an elevated area outside the plaza and as you can see that presented the problem of the tree in plaza blocking the statue.

The War Memorial Plaza is located on Union Street at 7th at the Legislative Plaza. You can find parking in the area and the site contains other war memorials, as well. Within the Plaza is the Vietnam Veteran's Park which specifically honors the 1292 from Tennessee who made the final sacrifice.

Kentucky VII

As mentioned in the last post, Franklin hosts two Vietnam memorials. This one is located in a park a few miles from the city square. I had read that there was a memorial in this town and did not feel as if the one on the square was it! I went into some stores and asked a few folks on the street, but no one was aware of a Vietnam memorial. I nearly gave up, but decided to check out the Police Department. No one there was sure, but one guy thought it might be in the park. He kindly drew me a map to the park area and to the local VFW. I went to the VFW but no one was there. I drove into the park just as the sun was setting and was doubtful about having time to locate and photograph the site.

Well, it got dark and I headed out of the park and just as I was leaving I noticed an American flag. I pulled over and at the base of the flag found this marker. There was no sign or anything marking it, so it was just luck that I stumbled upon it.

I found it very interesting that the plaque shown in the last photo had been included. Long time readers of this site know that on occasion those who design these memorials include something that addresses the controversy that surrounded the war. As I have said before, I think that these inclusions tell our story more completely. To see another example of this effort to tell the whole story, go to the list of states on the left of this page and "click" on Idaho.

Next, I will move on to Tennessee; Nashville, Springfield, Soddy-Daisy and Whitwell. Join me on June 19th.

Kentucky VI

This memorial is located at the City Hall in Franklin, Ky. Not far from the Tennessee State line, Franklin has been named as one of the best small southern states in which to live.

This memorial, like in so many small towns, is one that honors sons and daughters of many wars. Those listed here, eight in all, may also be found on a separate Vietnam memorial located elsewhere in Franklin. I will write about that one in the next post.

This one can be found on the corner of Cedar and Main, on the Cedar Street side of the building. Individual bricks are found interspersed along the walkway.

Kentucky V

In Paris, Kentucky, this monument and eternal flame will forever remember and honor those who served and those who paid the final price.

Eleven of Bourbon County's best are listed as among the lost, while hundreds of those who served with them flank their names. Perhaps they guard the memory of their brothers.

This elegant memorial is located at 3rd and Main in Paris.