Kansas II

In Wichita there is a Veteran's Park. That, in and of itself is not a surprise, but the memorial there is something very special. Along side the Arkansas River in a park with any number of memorials in it, this one is special. It reminds us of that which we so easily, sometimes, forget. The memorial is not only dedicated to those who fought, died and were forever changed by 'Nam, but also to those who loved them or only knew them. It specifically says Dedicated to All Those Affected by the Vietnam War. All too often we forget those left behind. There is an old adage that I think goes like this; They also serve who but sit and wait. I think the original intent of this was that if someone was non combatant, they still should be honored. They would fight if asked to do so. But, I think this is easily extended to the families, friends and loved ones of all who served and especially those who did not return. We would do well to remember this each day that our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters and husbands and wives, Mothers and Fathers, all those who support our soldiers, are serving, too.

Next time, on the 16th, we'll visit another Vietnam memorial just a few steps away from this one. Join me then at 9:00 am, as always.

Wisconsin VI

Another of the very first sites I ever saw was in Milwaukee. It was at least 20 years ago and those pictures are long since lost. Too bad, because the present site is not just as I remember and I wonder if it has grown or if my memory just isn't accurate?

Anyway, the site here, The Southeastern Wisconsin Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, sits right on the lake and is in a Veteran's Park. It is dedicated to the 1241 who were lost and the site is well marked. It consists of three Wausau Red Granite columns. There are 22, 26, and 30 feet tall and represent the fallen, POW/MIA's and those who made it back. Each of the five surrounding benches represents one of the services and the eleven granite posts are for the recognized span of the war.

There is an inner circle of bricks that are reserved for 'Nam vets and an outer circle which may be dedicated to those of other conflicts or anyone who would like to show respect and support. In addition, there are markers for Medal of Honor awardees and those who were POW/MIA. The MIA bricks are marked with a star if and when the remains are ever recovered.

For additional info about how to dedicate a brick, go here;

http://www.warmemorialcenter.org/Visitors_Guide/Memorials/index.html

I, also, found this interesting video from just this past May, about the memorial and vets efforts to ensure that it remains inviting and respectful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlIxjcgPkw0

Iowa VII

My friend at the Iowa Veteran's Cemetery directed me to Parkersburg, Iowa. A brand new veteran's memorial was dedicated just this past Memorial Day. While it is not specifically a Vietnam site, the names of those who served in "Nam take up several panels on the stone fixtures. The site attempts to list all veterans who ever served from the area. They are not listed in chronological order to allow for late additions. You will note that several names of Vietnam vets were added to the back of one of the markers.

The site includes a chopper that looks very 'Nam like to me. It had to be moved slightly from its original site and is tilted due to a tornado that came through.

It is located on the corner of Miners and Colfax Streets adjacent to the Parkersburg Veteran's memorial building and the Oak Hill Cemetery.

The next post is Council Bluffs, a name that just rings with history!