South Carolina II

In Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, near Charleston, is one of the largest and most interesting sights I have visited. It is the home of the air craft carrier the U.S.S. Yorktown, a submarine, and other ships, a Medal Of honor Museum and other sights I will tell you more about in a later post. Today, I want to show you the memorial to the 161 from South Carolina's 1st Congressional District who are honored here.

The memorial could hardly be more simple. Four stones, reminiscent of grave markers, that dedicate the site and list all of the names. Surrounded by some field stones it rests just at the entrance to the larger park area. In fact, if you were not paying attention, you might just miss it.

 

In addition to this one to the 161, I found a couple of others throughout the park. The first is dedicated to those lost in Vietnam, who were members of a group called The Seawolves. The Seawolves were an Attack Helicopter Squadron and 44 of their pilots and door gunners were lost.

 

The final one that I saw was to a Medal of Honor awardee. Major Patrick Henry Brady, on one particular day in Vietnam, went through three choppers in fog shrouded areas to rescue 51 seriously injured soldiers. The three choppers were all seriously damaged but he managed to get those guys out.

Next time, on March 1st, I will show you a sight you can only see in South Carolina. At Patriots Point they have constructed a Navy Advanced Technical Support Base, the only one of its kind. I think it is easy, sometimes, to forget that not only the Marines and the Army fought valiantly in 'Nam. This Support Base brings that all home. So, join me at 9:00am on the 1st to take a step back into history.

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

Rhode Island VIII

To be honest, I have no memory of how I learned about this memorial. It may well have been, as is often the case, just a chance conversation with someone along the way.

This elegant and respectful memorial honors those from the area who served in a number of wars including, of course, Vietnam.

What makes this tribute most remarkable, I think, is that it is from the students of the community and is located upon the grounds of a local school.

Located not too very far from Newport, the Wakefield Elementary School is like any other. The day I visited, kids were in class, on the playground, and participating in the normal school day. There were people coming and going and even a few folks sitting at a nearby picnic table. I was struck by the dichotomy of the events; happy children and honoring those who had served and in some cases, died.

Blue Star Mothers are also remembered here, too.

Next time, on the 24th, we will travel to South Carolina. So, join me there, as always, at 9:00am,

To see other memorials from Rhode Island, or any state, click the sate 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.

Ohio VIII

While visiting Cleveland on a business trip, I had the opportunity to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and other sights. One of them was this great War Memorial. It honors all who have perished during 20th Century wars. Those lost in Vietnam are, of course, honored here.

The memorial was originally built to honor WWII soldiers but in 1991 was refurbished and expanded to include all from the 20th century.

 

Our other conflicts post Vietnam are recalled here, too. As always seems to be the case and not particularly prophetic, empty spaces are provided for the future sacrifices of those possibly not yet born.

The statue is of a man escaping the flames of war and reaching for everlasting peace. There are fountains surrounding the statue, but they were not on the day I was there which provided this clear view.

Interestingly, the statue/fountain is known by three different names: The Fountain of Eternal Life, The War Memorial Fountain and Peace Emerging from the Flames of War.The large globe on which he is standing represents the earth. The whole statue is 35 feet tall.

Next time, we will visit Pennsylvania . So join me at 9:00am on the 14th of February.

To see other posts from Ohio, or any other state, click the state name on the left of this page.

North Carolina IV

I had read about the memorial in Jackson, N.C. and even spoken with one of the guys associated with building it, but I had no idea how awestruck I would be by actually seeing it. It has become one of my very favorites now that I have been there a couple of times.

It sits just off Lejuene blvd. outside the famous Marine camp. From the road, as you pull in to the area, it appears to be a rather nondescript wall, with an array of flags and a small marker, but if you continue down the path, over the bridge, you will find one of the largest and most magnificent memorials I have ever seen.

The path leads you up to a fountain with a reflating pool that is surrounded by a number of large pillars. All of this is encircled by 600 feet of glass on which are etched the more than 58,000 names of the lost and missing from 'Nam.

Each name is listed in alphabetical order so that one might easily find a loved one. The 3700 square feet of glass reflect the differing light of the day, the flags placed throughout, the water features, and allow one to look through from one set of names, across the pillars and the fountains, to others names. It is a remarkable effect. Stunning and  beautiful, nestled in among tall pines it is a peaceful, quite, and respectful place.

Located along with this Vietnam memorial are a tribute to the Marines killed in Beirut and a piece of the Twin Towers honoring those lost on September 11th. and very nearby is a military cemetery. This site deserves a bit of your time should be in the Jacksonville area.

Next time, on the 9th of February, we will visit  Ohio, as always at 9:00am. See you then.

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

New Jersey IV

Medford, New Jersey, is about 12 miles east of Cherry Hill. We were just driving down its main street and happened upon this lovely veteran's park.

In addition to a memorial to all who served in 'Nam, there are memorials to WW I, WW II, and Korea.

The Vietnam memorial lists all from the town who served. There is no Key provided but one assumes that the stars next to a few names designates them as lost, or missing.

The park has no signage of any kind except the one noting that it has been cared for by The Boy Scouts, but it sits next door to the Medford Memorial Community Center at 21 Main street.

Next time, we revisit North Carolina, so join me there at 9:00am on the 4th of February.

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

New York IX

As you tear yourself away from this somber theater and begin the walk away, up the winding path to leave all this behind, you discover, yet, another place. Called the Reflection Garden, it is but another reminder to remember. The polished, black monolith calls on us, one last time, to never forget those who served. It recall the words of Major O'Donnell a pilot who was killed in action in 1970 but was considered MIA for years and years. It thanks all who served; something that,as you know, was a long time coming.

Reverse

Having circled through this moving tribute you find yourself approaching the original, flag laden entrance. But, there just off to the right is one last, solitary bollard. Someone has affixed a flag to it.
This one really completes the circuit. It remembers and honors so many that are not often included at these sights.

  It reads as follows;

This bollard is dedicated to all those men and women who lost their lives because of Vietnam.

to those that died from physical or emotional wounds and those who succumbed to their injuries, 

by their own hand, from Cancer induced by Agent Orange or substance abuse also.

it is also dedicated to those who continue to suffer after Vietnam from PTSD, pain, sleeplessness, anxiety, loneliness,rage, survivor guilt and/or sadness. To their families who witnessed the pain, but often, could not understand.

It is dedicated to all those who picked up their lives despite difficulty and did their very best, contributing to America as they did with their service to country in Nam.

Finally, this is dedicated to you who have come here today. You who loved and supported us.. remember us. thank you for quenching the thirst of our souls. May none of us ever again forget the cost of freedom and the sacrifices made. God bless you one and all.

So, after this roller coaster ride of emotions, a moment of absolute brilliance! The very last thing you see, finally back to the beginning is a mood lightening, life affirming, display that pulls you right back from the edge. I even laughed out loud. A water fountain. Not just any water fountain, but one that has been designed to look just like a canteen. Not only is it brilliant, it works.

This is the final post from Rochester. Next time we will be right next door in new Jersey. So, join me then, as always at 9:00am on the 30th.

To see other posts  from New York, or any other state, click the state name on the left side of this page.