Delaware XVIII

Fewer than ten miles northeast of Wilmington, right along the Delaware river, is Claymont.

In the news recently for the dedication of a beautiful memorial to those lost in the GWOT, the town also has a POW/MIA memorial.

Located on Commonwealth Avenue near E. Brandywine, it rests in the middle of the median strip. I find this just a little odd and can find no information about its placement or history.

Simplicity itself and yet still dignified and important.

While not actually Vietnam specific the whole POW/MIA issue seems to have grown out of the Vietnam war and these memorials will always scream 'Nam to me.

Next time, on the 21st, we will return to Maryland, so meet me there, as always, at 9:00am.

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

Connecticut XVII

I wrote sometime back about happening on to a Veterans Day event in Norwich, Connecticut: you can check out that post elsewhere on the site.

Today, I thought we might return to see just a few more details from that visit.

The dual flags greeted me upon arrival. You may not know that the POW/MIA flag is considered a federal flag and is the only other flag allowed to fly over the White House and the Capitol building. When flying on a separate pole it hangs at equal height to the American flag and always above any state flag though it seems many do not know this as it is often flown below a state flag.

As I have mentioned previously that while the POW/MIA flag as come to represent all those lost and missing from al wars, it was in fact created by the wife of a POW in 'Nam.

Near by the reviewing stand was the POW/MIA table to honor those fellow soldiers.

"POW-MIA Table Setting

    The Missing Man Table, also known as the Fallen Comrade Table, is a semi-official place of honor in some dining facilities of the US armed forces in memory of fallen, missing in action, or prisoner of war military service-members.  The table serves as the focal point of ceremonial remembrance, originally growing out of US concern of the Vietnam War POW/MIAs.

   Beyond permanent displays in dining facilities, the missing man table is traditionally part of military dining-in ceremonies and service balls.  When presented in a dining-in or service ball, a narration given to the audience explains the symbolism of each item.  The practice of the missing man table has evolved over time and is not currently governed by any US Department of Defense or service-specific guidance.

THE CHAIR IS EMPTY -- THEY ARE NOT HERE

    The small table is set for one, representing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors.  The table is usually set close to, or within sight of, the entrance to the dining room.

• The table is round showing our everlasting concern for our POW/MIA's.

• The cloth is white symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.

• The single red rose signifying the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of American. This rose, reminding us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return.

• The yellow ribbon stands for the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand with unyielding determination a proper accounting of our comrades who are not among us tonight.

• A slice of lemon reminding us of the bitter fate of those missing, captured and held as prisoners in foreign lands.

• A pinch of salt denoting the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty.

• The Holy Bible represents the strength gained through faith in our country, founded as one nation under God, to sustain those lost from our midst.

• The lighted candle reflects the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation.

• The glass is inverted symbolizing their inability to share the evening's toast.

Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices.  May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families."

 

The above was copied verbatim from The American Legion, my thanks to them.

Note that ion the pic of the Field Cross under the table that the helmet seems to be from the Vietnam era.

And finally, here is a pic of just a few of the troops on hand for this event.

 Next time, on the 11th, we will return to Maryland, so join me there at 9:00am.

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

 

Texas XI

116 miles west of Dallas is the town of Ranger. I knew they had a memorial there so I headed in that direction. The memorial was located in a small park and was easy to find. Ranger is a really small town. It had a population of under 2500 in the 2010 census and as I have said so many times before, I was amazed at what small towns manage to do for their own. I have been to states that have no official state memorial and yet, these small communities manage to find a way to honor their sons and daughters.

It was a bright and hot day and the usual issues with reflection were rampant but the memorial still shines through honoring those from the area.

The back names those involved in the project and what appears to be additional names, as so often happens, added later. I read that this was dedicated in 2007.

Nearby, this reminded of the POW/MIAs stands guard.

 

A short distance away, in the same park, I found this older, more general, remembrance for those who served. It is dated 1998.

A word of warning if you decide to visit this memorial. I was cited by the local police for exceeding the speed limit by 5 miles an hour. This happened in a practically stereotypical speed trap. The cop was uncommunicative and unfriendly, rude actually. He insisted that the fine would be $105 dollars, but after paying all the "fees" for paying by phone, using a Visa card and several other nonsensical fees, it was nearly $200 dollars, so be careful if you go!

Next time, on May 1, we will travel back to Virginia, so join me there, as usual at 9:00am

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

Nebraska VII

While driving through Nebraska, I noticed a sign in the town of North Bend. It directed me to Veteran's Park.

Like so many small towns, North Bend created a memorial to all from the area who have served or were lost in any of our wars.

This beautiful little park sits on the corner of Main Street and 9th on land donated by an Omaha couple.

North Bend lies 50 miles north of Lincoln and 50 miles west of Omaha. It is  a small, mostly agricultural, town of about 1200 citizens.

While many are remembered here, the latest addition to the park is this soldier  kneeling, remembering, honoring, grieving at a Field Cross; marking the spot where a comrade died.The statue is based upon a previous placement, elsewhere, of a WWII soldier seeking his lost friends, but he represents us all. Here, he reaches for the dog tags of his lost friend.

Found here, too, is a tribute to all those who were lost.

There are no long lists of names here. Many are remembered with bricks purchased by loved ones. I could not determine a difference between bricks honoring service or the ultimate sacrifice.

Finally, POW/MIAs are remembered. I have written before about how this design was created by the wife of a Vietnam POW. It come to be universal and that is as it should be, but to me, it will always be Vietnam.

So, while not specifically a tribute to Vietnam, we are indeed remembered and this, too, is as it should be.

Next time, on March 2nd, we will revisit Nevada, so meet me there, as always, at 9:00am.

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

Delaware V

Delaware, as I have previously written has no "official" state memorial and I have posted the three from each of her counties, earlier. I was pleased to find this smaller, yet, equally poignant memorial in a place often thought of as only for fun!

Rehoboth Beach Delaware is a sea shore town visited by millions every year. All the usual attractions are easily found here; sun, sand, nightlife and all the other fun filled possibilities.

Amidst the obvious fun of a beach town, one can pause to remember those who have served or were lost

One one of my several visits over the years I was a little surprised to find a very elegant veteran's memorial prominently located on Rehoboth Ave, near the boardwalk. It was a stark reminder that while this is a resort town, it is also a town. Where people live and work and serve their country every day!

This memorial is dedicated to all who have served and each of the three markers honors different veterans.

Vietnam and Korean Veterans, both alive and lost, are honored on the marker on the right.

There is an additional marker commemorating POW/MIAs.

Placed by several groups that include the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Kiwanis, and former members of Coastal Patrol Base 2.

An interesting side note is that Control Base 2 was established in 1942 to help spot submarines near the U.S. coast and warn ships in the area. It was one of three authorized to perform this duty along the eastern seaboard. These pilots, by the way, were all civilians who by their service freed up military pilots for duty elsewhere.

Next time, we will return to Idaho where the very first post on this site was from. It seems so long ago now. Join me at 9:00am on the 7th of October.


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

Illinois VII

Just a few feet from the Morgan County Vietnam Memorial in Nichols Park is a POW/MIA memorial. It is elegant in its simplicity. No names are recorded here and it is not specific to any war. What makes it particularly interesting to me is that it is the result of an Eagle Scouts desire to honor those still unaccounted for. There are approximately 88,000 MIAs from WWII to the present and when I was in Alabama a couple of years ago, I read that there are 188,00 MIAs from all of our history. I do not know if that is accurate, but I don't think the total number is what is important. What is important is that we remember these and consider the fact that there will always be those who are lost and never accounted for in any war. And we should remember it the most as we deciding to send our men and women into harms way, again.

I am trying to track down the young man who is behind this memorial. If I reach him, I will update with any new and interesting information.

Update. I spoke to the young mans father today and he explained that his son was part of the actual project construction. He was only 14 at the time but was allowed to participate in a number of the activities necessary to ready and complete the memorial. His father promised to have him get in touch. If this happens prior to this posting I will include and new, pertinent, or interesting material here.

Update II. I had a very nice conversation with the young man who was instrumental in the placing of this memorial. Now, 24, he was a 14 year old seeking his Eagle Scout status. He approached the Parks and Lakes committee of Jacksonville and they told him they wanted a POW/MIA memorial for the park. An Eagle Scout project requires that the candidate demonstrate Leadership skills and be responsible for the planning and implementation of the project. He told me that he still has a book filled with documentation on items like the planning, hours worked by those building the project and other numerous details. He told me that the fund raising for the project was more than successful and they were able to create a fund for perpetual care of the site, in addition to the addition of the flags and lights at a time after the actual dedication of the memorial. Funding came from a variety of veteran's groups, individuals and others. He served on the committee that saw the project through from inception to completion and that he is very pleased with the results. He is now living in Chicago after completing college there.On behalf of Vietnam vets and all vets everywhere, I thank him for his involvement, determination and compassion.

Illinois

The entrance road to the site is lined with flags, the wind has them in full display, today !

The Illinois Vietnam Memorial

The eternal flame

Names of the lost are inscribed on the black granite walls, reminiscent of The Wall in D.C.

Each of the services songs is inscribed upon its particular wall

Medal of Honor awardees and POW/MIA's are honored

Once, again, Forrest Gump has been proven right. You never know what you're going to find. I was distraught when I had a computer problem that cost me any number of photos. These pics had been backed up, twice, and the whole system failed. The pics, mostly from Missouri and Illinois were just gone!

After trying everything I, and every computer person I know, tried to do to retrieve them failed, I finally realized that I had to return to these two states to retake the photos.

When I visited Springfield the first time, I had a lot of trouble tracking down the site and then had to wait a day or so for the rain to let up. As a result, when I visited the Oak Ridge Cemetery, where the memorial is situated, it was wet, cloudy, cold, dank and not particularly conducive to good photos.

As you can see from these pics, all that had changed! The sky was beautiful, the trees in color, the wind was blowing the flags and all in all I am just happier with these pics. So, thanks Forrest for putting it in to perspective!

The Illinois State Vietnam memorial is dedicated to the 3009 who were lost or are still missing. I have read many sites that all have differing numbers but this is the highest I have found so far. I have a call into the site and if they give me different stats, I will certainly report them here.

Each of the five walls represents a branch of service. These support an eternal flame which honors all and this create five courts for rest and reflection. The POW/MIA's are honored separately from the known lost.

The memorial was the project of two local vets who attended the dedication of The Wall In D.C. in 1982. They wanted to honor all their friends and all who had made the ultimate sacrifice in 'Nam. The untimely and unexpected death of one of them only served to make the other more determined to finish the memorial.

Located at 1500 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL 62702, The Oak Ridge Cemetery honors other wars and warriors and is also the resting place of  Abraham Lincoln. One could spend quite some time in this sacred place and still probably not absorb it all.

Illinois proved to have some very interesting Vietnam sites. Keep checking back to continue the journey. The next post will be at 9:00am on the 12th. See you then.

Rhode Island VII

I have listed this site as Rhode Island even though it is actually across the river in Connecticut. The town of Pawcatuck is, literally, only a few feet, across the bridge from Westerly. In many areas I have seen the two hyphenated as Westerly-Pawcatuck! When I fill in the labels, I will include Connecticut among them so that those seeking only memorials in that state will have access too!

This is a simple, yet moving site and while I realize that POW/MIA sites have evolved over the years to represent all (as they should) they will be forever, in my mind, associated with 'Nam. So, I include this one here

Kansas V

Antioch Park is 44 acres of beauty in Merriam, Kansas. Within this beautiful oasis is a Vietnam memorial. It is said to be the first in the area and while its honors the fallen, it also has some unique features. Created by the well known sculptor, Leon Lickteig, it features a wall with the honored names, rocks that represent the mountains of Vietnam and also the back of the dragon! The dragon itself surrounds the flagpole in the center of the site. The flora of Vietnam are also featured, etched in the concrete of the plaza.

The fourth photo attempts to show the dragon encircling the flag pole but I did not have a wide enough lens to capture it very well.

Note the eye of the dragon as highlighted in the final picture. It is the silhouette of the face from the POW/MIA flag! Brilliant!

Come back on Monday for a special Memorial Day post.

Texas VII

In the same Fort Worth Park as the last memorial, not far along the same path is this small, yet dignified memorial to those from the area who were POW's or MIA's. The site was dedicated in 1972 and some parts show its age. It was rededicated in 2000. The older plaque (last photo) is a little hard to read due to aging and the way the light hit it on the day I was there, It says;

Dedicated to prisoners of war and
those missing in action
in Southeast Asia
and their families.

Fort Worth Cares

November 18th, 1972

The smaller plaque on the brick says rededicated in 2000.

It sits off to the side a little creating a quite place to sit on the bench and reflect in this lovely park.

I have several more sites in Texas that I will return to at a later date. These include small and large memorials in Ranger, San Antonio and the ever enlarging National Vietnam War Museum in Mineral Wells among others.

Next, join me in Atlanta and other Georgia sites on the 12th of March, as always at 9:00am

Colorado V

I could not find any official memorials in Denver. I did locate a POW memorial in the Capitol building which is the first shown here. It is located on the entrance floor in a corner. The last one was in Colorado Springs, so I decided to include them both at this time.

I think I have noted before that the POW flag was designed by the wife of a 'Nam POW, but has since become the icon for all POW/MIA's from any war. I read on a memorial in Alabama that there are 188,000 MIA's from all American involvements. I am not sure how these figures are determined or if they are even accurate, but whatever the number, it is huge. These, along with all of those killed, are in fact the costs of war, not the dollars, the machinery, not the national issues often stated as justification.