Oklahoma V

As mentioned earlier, the rain continued to threaten and frequently follow through with its threat. As I approached Hulbert, I had to cross several bridges and the last one had local maintenance crews on it keeping people out. The water was not yet over the bridge and when I explained what I was doing they let me cross. They warned me not to be too long as I might not be able to get back across in the not too distant future. So, this one too, like Broken Arrow, nearly became one I didn't get!

 As I pulled into the area where the memorial stands, I was down hill from it. You can see that the road is under water. Fortunately, the uphill side was better and I could get a few shots through the teeming rain. What you cannot see in these pics is the original memorial. A gravestone like slab with the four names etched upon it was damaged as it was installed. It remains on site with the crack in it not repaired. The town opted to build the present one in its place. So, there are actually two memorials to these four lost young men.

Water creeping up to the memorial site

Benches, kneeling soldier and memorial

It is a nice little park, with the memorial, benches, and cut out soldiers kneeling, as if in prayer. There are 4 lost honored here and I couldn't help but think about the Monsoons in 'Nam as the relentless rain tried to sweep us all away! Those who were in-country  know that it was easy to find yourself in hip deep water in just minutes when the rains came.Oddly, I noticed as I made my escape that the workers were no longer guarding the bridge, just a few orange cones left behind!

I said earlier that Broken Arrow was as near to being rained out as I have ever come, but upon further thought, I think it was actually Hulbert!

Oklahoma II

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma has a Veteran's Park that recognizes and honors her sons and daughters service and sacrifice. Amid the ball fields and recreational facilities lie a number of memorials including one to women who have served.

Interestingly, the Vietnam memorial that honors seven of her lost sons lies across the street from this park. I could find no explanation for this anywhere but, as always, if I should, I will update here.

I have been astounded as I have traveled the country to honor and photograph these sites that I have never been unable to take a picture due to the weather! I have, as I have mentioned before, been in 117 degree heat (in the deserts of California), up to my knees in snow ( Carson city, Nevada) and have had to wait out the rain (Springfield, Illinois to name just one). This one, in Broken Arrow, was as close as I have come to having to "bail out" (pun intended!) It was just raining to beat all and I feared the pics would not be useable, but with a little work they seem OK. It was windy enough for some of the soaked flags to move a little. I always like it when I can include some shots of flags in full view. Not so fortunate this time!