Pennsylvania XV

Because I live on the east coast, I get to these states more often than to those further west. As much as I travel and as many states as I try to see, it is just easier, obviously, to visit those that I can just jump in the car and spend a day or two looking for sites.

Pennsylvania, right next door, as you can, see has a number of sites, this is the 17th post from the state, and is certainly one of the most well represented states on this site. As you read this, however, I will have just returned from a relatively extended trip to Washington and Oregon where I hope to have picked up at least ten additional west coast memorials.

This site located in Lebanon in a small park not too far east (about 35 miles) of Harrisburg, Pa. and was inspired by a visit from the traveling Wall. How many times have been able to make that statement? I am always pleased when I do. It is a little unusual in that it features bas relief  "portraits" of soldiers and is made mostly of red brick which is not too often seen. I have been unable to determine if there is a specific reason for this so as I always do, I will ask you to let me know if you have any information. In addition, the main figure is clearly a Vietnamese soldier carrying another, who appears to be American. You can reach me in the "Comments" section or privately by using the email listed on the left side of the page.

44 of Lebanon's own are honored and remembered here.

The 544 bricks were hand etched and included in the 9x15 Wall.

Entombed within the Wall, in a time capsule, are the signatures of all those who participated in the project, including the pens they signed their names with.

The Wall, itself, bears no names but the lost are honored on a plaque that stands in front of the Wall. It is said that an unintended and unforeseen feature here is that when it rains the soldiers appear to have tears in their eyes.

Many are remembered on pavers that lead up to the memorial.It may be found at the intersection of S.10th and Elm Streets.

Much more interesting info on this memorial may be found here:

http://myhometown-lebanonpa.com/vietnam_veterans_memorial.htm

Next time, on the , we will visit South Dakota, once again, so join me there, as always, at 9:00am.

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

Pennsylvania XI

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Grove lies directly behind the state capitol in Harrisburg. It is a park full of Red Oaks that serves as a link between the Capitol and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Bridge. the tall pillars at the rear of the picture are part of the bridge.

There are plaques to our many conflicts at the base of ten of these trees, including one to those who are unknown. You see the one dedicated to Vietnam, here.

Ribbon like bands of markers divide the green honoring the many Medal of Honor awardees from Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania boasts 378 Medal awardees and is second only to New York State in this honor.

These bands are sometimes just names and dates and others tell the story of an awardees valor and heroism. One could spend much time reading and learning here.

I read recently that some of the Red Oaks are dying, three are actually now gone, but the state has committed to replace the trees and restore these sentrys to their rightful place.

On the 19th, join me as we return to Rhode Island. I'll see you at 9:00am, as always.

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