Happy Memorial Day weekend! This special time is set aside for Americans to remember the countless men and women who served our country in an effort to keep us free. For this reason, today seems the perfect opportunity for me to share pictures of Missouri Military Memorial in St. Louis. Nestled on the grounds of Jefferson Barracks County Park, this was erected to honor all Missourians who gave their lives in the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It was dedicated on Memorial Day in 2017.
This wall stands about eight feet tall and is made from black granite panels. Actual photos were etched by computers and depict armed equipment and battle scenes from those three wars.
The three star pillars show actual photographs of the men and women KIA.
Benches, like this one shown below, dot the memorial to serve as a resting place. On each, displayed lists show individuals who lost their lives stateside, through PTSD or other war-related circumstances.
Part of the Missouri Military Memorial is the Gold Star Pavilion. It is meant to represent all Gold Star families. They are the ones, of course, who lost loved ones serving the United States of America.
The person responsible for spearheading this effort is the mother of a young woman (21 years old) who was killed in Iraq. Over a span of nearly ten years, her vision became reality. The entire process represents a great deal of commitment and coordination. Drawings were produced, land was obtained, funds were raised and roadblocks overcome. In all, the committee raised $600,000 so that Missouri Military Memorial could be built for all to enjoy. The company that fabricated the granite panels from Ohio, stated that this was their largest project ever! When they traveled to St. Louis to construct it, many of the workers were moved to tears by the significance. Many individuals donated time, money and effort. It just so happens, that one of those volunteers lives with me! My husband joined the effort in 2012 and used his landscape architectural gifts to generate all of the design work (walls, stars, benches, sidewalks, pavilion, plant material, etc.) and he considered it an honor to donate his time and services.
To see another related post, click here. It shares Flags of Valor which was on Art Hill back in 2016.
To see another related post, click here. It shares Flags of Valor which was on Art Hill back in 2016.
Let's make time this weekend to remember those who are serving or who have served so that we can have the privilege of living in the land of the free and the home of the brave. 🦅