Arizona IX

Just a year ago, last December, I wrote about the wonderful memorial at Bull Head City, Arizona. At the time I said that this was a memorial in two parts and that I would get back to show you the second part at a later date. I had no idea it would take me a year. (You can click on Arizona to the left and then scroll back to see the original post, if you like.)

This side of the memorial (called the south side) slips out in to the Colorado River, but you must completely leave the first half to get to the second half as they are divided by an waterway between them.

On this particular spit of land is a memorial to all those who have been awarded the Medal Of Honor in Arizona.

They are listed here beneath the eternal flame which is a little hard to see but was, in fact, burning.

What is striking about this memorial is that the first eleven names are of Native Americans who aided the Army in the battles that eventually settled the state. Of the remaining nine awardees six are from Vietnam.

Unlike the other (North side) portion of the site which lists the 3,000 lost from the state, this one has a specific memorial to Vietnam.

To get there, take State Highway 95 to Riverview Drive. Travel west (towards the Colorado River and past Rotary Park) until the road ends at Riviera Boulevard, about two miles. Turn left onto Riviera Boulevard and continue about 300 yards, where the road terminates into a large parking lot. Follow the signs to enter the memorial park area.

Next time, on the 9th, we will return to Colorado for the 22nd post from this great state, so join me there at 9:00am.

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

Arizona VI

Bull Head City lies in the north west corner of Arizona, actually not far from Nevada. I had heard tales of a great memorial there so after visiting Lake Havasu, headed in that direction.

What a find. Watching out over the beautiful Colorado River is this magnificent memorial to all who have perished in our wars of the 20th century.

It sits kind of behind the American Legion at 2249 Clearwater Drive and can be accessed from there or from a parking lot further down the road. It rests on a spit of land and features more than 3000 names, including those of our comrades from Vietnam.

There are 50 stars here, one for each state, on the nine foot high and 40 foot wide wall. Eagles stand guard on either side of the names.

Along the path up to the memorial are several panels of bricks dedicated to various veterans and or organizations. There bricks are very often a means to raise funds to complete  projects.

Dedicated on November 11, 2002, it is a stark and beautiful reminder of the sacrifices of so many.

There is another whole section of this memorial, but I will post that at another time.

Next time, on the 22nd, check back for some pics from Wreaths Across America at Arlington national Cemetery. Join me there, as always, at 9:00am.

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