Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Vietnam Memorial sits on the Capitol grounds in Oklahoma City. The site is a tribute to WW I, WW II, Korea and Vietnam. Each of these has its own wall upon which are bas relief scenes from the particular war and the names of those KIA/MIA.

Central to this tribute is an 8 and a half foot tall soldier. He is Native American and is dressed in Vietnam era gear. Called the best rendition of an American soldier ever, he gazes at the Capitol building.  He is referred to as "The Big Guy" and it seems to me that he is staring down the politicians, but that's just me! There is also an eternal flame on site reminding the powers-that-be that "We must never forget."

The Big Guy

Detail

The Vietnam bas relief

Detail

The 988 honored

Detail

A personal remembrance

The Flame

The memorial which is actually across the street from the Capitol building underwent a recent renovation. Completed in November 2012, the site now bears the names of more than 2500 from the state, including the 988 from Vietnam, that gave their all for America when their country called. Oklahoma is second only to West Virginia in the percentage of her population lost to the war.

On the 3rd of March, we will visit Broken Arrow, Oklahoma for the memorial there, as always at 9:00am.