Timbertown Austin is proud to salute the American Heroes who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom this Memorial Day by highlighting different memorials around the country. These memorials are beautiful examples of how wood has been used throughout history to create lasting tributes to those we love, honor and cherish.
Korean War Veterans Memorial in Phoenix, AZ
In 1990 an impressive gazebo was erected to serve as a memorial for the people who were a part of the Korean War. It’s located in Wesley Bolin Plaza and within the gazebo is the large brass Korean bell.
Port Chicago Memorial in Concord, CA
The Port Chicago Memorial is a simple, yet impactful site that commemorates the lives of the 320 people that were killed during an explosion on July 17, 1944. Many of those that died were African American sailors in the U.S. Navy. The aftermath left the port piers in ruin, however today the wooden posts still jut out above the water reminding visitors of the men that proudly served there.
Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, PA
So much history surrounds Gettysburg and lives on today at this national park. The Civil War was one of the darkest periods in America’s existence yet it defined the country we became. The battlegrounds on Gettysburg remind us not only of how much the men and women before us sacrificed, but also gives us a glimpse of life during that time. Many of the buildings, structures and wooden fences have been preserved by the park coordinators and dedicated volunteers.
Semper Fidelis Memorial Park in Triangle, VA
Often the Marine Corps is the first into battle and the last to leave. While many people visit the Marine Corps Memorial, the 3-acre Semper Fidelis Memorial Park that surrounds the National Museum of the Marine Corps has long been a place of quiet reflection and remembrance of the Marines that have served the country. One of the most spectacular parts of the park is the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel. Organic materials were used to help it blend into the natural setting and the design is reminiscent of improvised field chapels.
Lafayette Hillside Memorial in Lafayette, CA
What began as a controversial display is now a growing memorial that remembers the lives of military members that have died during the Iraq War. Across a large hillside white crosses, Jewish Stars of David, Muslim crescents and other religious markers represent the fallen men and women. Though Jeff Heaton and the property owner Louise Clark opposed the Iraq War, their intent was always to honor the servicemen and women that didn’t make it home.
These monuments are special places for families and veterans to celebrate those who have made a difference in the world and our lives. We encourage everyone to take time this Memorial Day to visit a local monument in honor of our those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Image Sources: flickr.com/photos/mdgovpics/8894143386/; flickr.com/photos/22711505@N05/7420422904; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lafayette_hillside_memorial
Original Source: http://timbertownaustin.com/home-improvement/memorials-to-visit-this-memorial-day/
