War Memorials

The War Memorials
Wars are some of the most traumatic events a human being can experience. At various times throughout our nation's history, its sons and daughters have been called into service for various reasons: to defend our country, to uphold an ideal, to prevent tyranny. The reasons for the fight are not always clear, but the dedication and sacrifice of our citizens in the armed services is unwavering. In their honor, our nation has created a number of memorials.

Vietnam | Korea | The Holocost

The Vietnam Wall

The Wall, on which are enscribed the names of our KIA's, MIA's, and POWs.

Some of our students came with the name of a loved one, to bring home a rubbing from The Wall.
Below are three images of them taking the rubbings. Their relatives should be very proud of how they - and all our students - conducted themselves in this most sacred place.

Dog Tags left at The Wall. Many who visit The Wall leave personal items behind, as a tribute or connection to those who they have lost. Countless dog tags have been left. Those shown here are now on display in the Smithsonian exhibit focusing on items left at The Wall.

This note reads: Dear Allen,
It took me twenty years to contact your parents. I couldn't find a way to say 'your son died saving my life. I know you understand. I finally did though. I talked to your father on the phone. It was difficult for both of us but my load is so much lighter now. Jonny, Chief, Ted, Gerald, Bob and Sgt. Dickson are there with you. I miss you all.
Love, Brother Lynn

This note reads: Dear Great Uncle Tom,
Hi. I miss you a lot even if I never seen you before. Grandma Kelly and Grandma Klein really miss you. Did I mention I love you. If I didn't I do. I love you.
Love, your Great Niece Audrey Klein

This note reads: "In memory of Michael Sheehan(?). 2 (?) Oct. 67. See you in heaven.
Love, Cousin Debbie Wright, TN

Please take a moment to read this. It speaks for itself.

As you study history, as you read about wars in the paper or see them on tv, never ever forget the human cost. Each and every person sacrificed in war leaves behind people and families, just like the loved ones that you have seen on this page.

Honor those who served. POW / MIA - You Are Not Forgotten. We Never Forget.

To learn more about the Vietnam Wall, visit this site.

The Korean War Memorial

The Korean War Memorial depicts a platoon marching through a bog in Korea. To one side is a reflecting wall with the engravings of real soldiers' faces in it. All told, between the sculptures and the reflection, you see 38 images, representing the 38th parallel.

At the front of the memorial stands a small reflecting pool with the engraving,
"Freedom is not Free."

This is the platoon's point man. Each of the figures looks weary, nervous, tired. He also has a resigned look, perhaps the weight of his position shows in his face. In front of him, an inscription reads:
"Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered their country's call
to defend a country they did not know and a people they had never met."

Old Glory flying over the Korean War Memorial

To learn more about the Korean War Memorial, visit this site: It captures the Memorial beautifully.

Holocost Museum / Memorial
While not a war memorial per se, I have included these two images on this page because this museum is as sacred to those who survived the horrors of Nazi aggression as The Wall is to the survivors of Vietnam. It stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the past, a plea to the present and future: Let this not happen again.

The Hall of Rememberence. An eternal flame burns here, atop earth from the camps.
The wall behind reads: "Only guard yourself and your soul carefully, lest you forget what your eyes saw, and lest these things depart your heart all the days of your life and you shall make them known to your children, and to your children's children."

To learn more about the Holocost Museum, visit this site.

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