Maryland XXIV

Oakland in Garrett County is about as far west in Maryland as one can go. It rest practically on the West Virginia line and is nearly as far west as Toronto, Canada.

In my drives around the state I have found a number of memorials, but so far, none so far west.

The memorial sits on a corner dedicated to a number of memorials and as so often is the case I am impressed with what smaller communities (1,925 population) do for their veterans. Garrett County of which Oakland is the County Seat has a population of fewer that 30,000.

We all know this guy, but did you know that Green Berets were formed in 1952 and the first place they were extensively utilized was Vietnam. President Kennedy, a firm supporter of the Special Forces, designated that the Green Beret head gear was for the exclusive use of these units in 1961.

Among the other memorials here is this plaque naming the 15 men from the county lost in Vietnam.

Next time, on September 3rd, we will return to Massachusetts, Meet me there, as always, at 9:00am.

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

Idaho IX

Back in 2013 I told the story of how I was denied entry to the Mountain Home AFB in Idaho and how through a series of conversations with the people there a visit was finally approved. At the time I promised to revisit the base here on A Means to Heal .

Today, I will share a couple more sites/pics from this pretty remarkable group of airborne memorials and the men who once flew them.

The whole park is dedicated to those who flew the F-111, a fighter based in Thailand. Here the 14 who gave all are honored.

Nearby there is a large freestanding plaque listing the many who were lost in a number of wars, I pulled off the names of those sacrificed in Vietnam.

These 12 seem to be an additional group and why they are listed separately is unclear to me.

Next time, on the 28th, we will return to Maryland, so meet me there at 9:00am.

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

Georgia XIV

 Griffin in Spalding County, Georgia has a lovely memorial

park that I have posted about previously and today I want to tell you about the second Vietnam memorial within its grounds.

The first one, seen elsewhere on this site, honors those lost or missing from Vietnam and Korea. this one while listing no names is exclusive to Vietnam.

Fronted, a few yards away by an eternal flame which I was glad to see in full flame. You might be surprised by how many sites once boasted a flame that has now been extinguished for quite some time.

The front of the memorial, here a little difficult to read due to shadows says:

"To the men and women of Spalding County who served their county so faithfully in the Vietnam War and to the loved ones who suffered loneliness and loss.

Erected in grateful tribute by the citizens of Spalding County 1884."

I always appreciate the acknowledgement of those who were left at home to wonder and worry. My younger brother once told me of the fear my parents tried to hide the whole time I was away.

The ramp has a map of  'Nam, rifle, helmet and boots and reminds me a bit of the Field Cross.

The reverse side is shown above.

Next time, on the 23rd, we will have another look at Idaho, so as always, meet me there at 9:00am.

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

Florida XIX

We have visited Perry, Florida before, but I promised to show you more of this elegant Veterans Memorial Park.

This entrance welcomes all to enter and honor or remember, or, the many valiant men and woman whose names or memories are emblazoned on the parks many stones.

This wall honors many from many different wars.

Under some trees in a well shaded area is this tribute to all who gave their lives from Taylor County.

 The words on this memorial should always be remembered.

Next time, on the 18th, we will return to Georgia, so meet me there, as always, at 9:00am.

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

Colorado XXVII

In my months, if not years, of searching for a memorial found elsewhere in Denver, I went to the Capitol building. (The memorial I was looking for may be seen elsewhere on this site.)

Outside as you approach one entrance is the large obelisk that turns out to be the Colorado War Memorial.

It, like so may, is non specific, no particular wars mentioned and no names listed.

Inside, the only mention of Vietnam that I could find was on this POW memorial plaque.

While wondering around Denver I happened into a "head" shop and on the wall was this obviously Native American garment.

I had a black windbreaker that I purchased in 'Nam  with the same wording on the back. It was stolen some years later . Never had a clue who might have taken it as I worked in a school at the time and it was in a closet. Don't like to think it was a colleague or one of my students, so...

The official Colorado Vietnam Memorial is a couple of hours south of Denver in Pueblo. It has a great story to it and if you have not seen it, you can find it on this site, too, it is well worth the read.

Next time, on the 13th, we will return to Florida, so join me there at 9:00am.

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

California XXVII

Those of us of a certain age may have fond memories of Johnny Carson often referring to "Beautiful downtown Burbank!" Well, who knew, in some ways it actually is! Especially when it comes to honoring and remembering her Vietnam veterans.

This beautiful little park, on the corner of San Fernando Blvd. and Amherst Dr. brings that strikingly home.

The flag poles and eternal flame atop the monument make the park and the memorial easy to locate.

On the monument and throughout the site are remembrances and testimonials to our fallen comrades including a Medal of Honor recipient from Burbank..

Located here, too, is only the second memorial I have seen to Bob Hope. This surprises me a bit given his years long service to Servicemen and women throughout the years. Fitting I guess that this one is in Burbank home to so much of the entertainment industry.

Notice that he is being awarded the First Honorary Veteran status by an act of Congress.

 Here is just a different view of the area, quite beautiful.

Next time on the 8th, we will return to Colorado, so join me there at 9:00am.

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