Memorial Day, 2009

World War II – Entrance Plaque An attempt to set the memorial in context with America’s national heritage

World War II – State Columns A column for each state represents the contribution, and the sacrifice, people across the country made toward victory. The arch tower flanked by columns symbolizes the war in the Pacific.

World War II - Midway Major battles are commemorated by the name engraved in stone beneath each arch tower.

World War II – Women at war This quote by Col. Hobby, chief of the WACs is one of many quotes on the memorial walls. WW II was the first war where women served other than nursing.

World War II – Washington Monument The Washington Monument rises just to the East of the World War II memorial.

World War II – Lincoln Memorial This picture of the Lincoln Memorial, just to the West, is from the center of the WW II Memorial.

Korean War - Entrance The plaque announcing the Korean War Memorial seems fitting for the first of the cold war, non war,wars.

Korean War – On Patrol 1 An infantry patrol; Korea was an infantry war. As I was taking this picture, a lady beside me said she first saw it at night with snow on the ground – fitting.

Korean War – Infantry Patrol 2 Nothing can be said to add to this picture.

Korean War – Etched Wall The etchings are very faint, regular soldier pictures.

Viet Nam War – On Patrol There is a story to tell, but it is too long.

Viet Nam War - Directory This is a directory of the names on the wall, it is the size of a city telephone book – all gone.

Viet Nam War – The Wall At this point The Wall is in view but the impact is not yet.

Viet Nam War – A Veteran

Viet Nam War – Some Names The power of The Wall first strikes home when you can read names and they are very real people. There is a story I must tell about the names also.

Viet Nam War – Too Many Names As The Wall gets taller, each panel holds so many names; it is harder to focus on an individual unless the name is part of your life.

Viet Nam War - Rubbing Making a rubbing, pencil on paper, taking a name home.

Viet Nam War - Letters Leaving a letter for a loved one.

Viet Name War - Remembering I have been to The Wall at all hours; I have never been alone.