Lest We Forget

June 14th found me at Liberty Park in San Juan for the city's Flag Day ceremonies. While there, I overheard mention of the Veterans War Memorial of Texas. http://www.mcallen.net/veterans/default.aspx . Having just celebrated Memorial Day, it being Flag Day, and with the 4th of July approaching, I decided this past weekend was a good time to go and check it out.

The memorial is situated on approx. 4-acres of land at the intersection of 29th & Galveston (Nof Exw. 83 & E. of the Convention Center). The memorial was established in the early 90's to honor the 1.3 million Americans killed or listed as Missing in Action in all wars and conflicts of this Nation. Several areas of the site are under or awaiting development, dependant upon funding. The first thing you see as you approach the memorial are flagpoles, lots of flagpoles. 84 to be exact. When completed, there will be 105. The circular arrangement of flags is known as the Organizational Guardians and recognizes financial backers. Within this circle is the memorial complex. The center point of which will be a 12,000+ sq.ft. building with a 105 foot granite obelisk extending from the floor upward through the roof. Radiating off this central hub are five plazas: WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the All Wars plazas are in place. Construction has yet to begin on the WWI plaza. Each of these plazas and the pathways between them are laid with concrete pavers, some inscribed with the name of an honored veteran. 160 granite walls (9' 6" x 7') are located throughout the complex as well as a number of bronze statues. The walls and statues chronicle the events of each war as well as additional historical facts.

As I wondered from plaza to plaza reading about the battles and the lives lost, a number of thoughts crossed my mind. WWI: my grandfather's war and how few of that generation are left. WWII: the war in both my father and my uncle (my mom's brother) served. Korea: so much more than just the inspiration for M*A*S*H. Vietnam: the war of MY generation. The War on Terror: Today.

On July 4th, our Nation will mark it's 233rd birthday. It too started with a battle, a battle for Independence. From that time till today, there have been a number of battles remembered at this site. So, between the parades and pachangas, fajitas and fireworks, take some time to go visit the Veterans War Memorial of Texas. Stop and read the names inscribed on the pavers at your feet. Let your gaze travel upward to one of the many flags and honor it. Reflect on our Nation's history etched in granite. Finally, say a Prayer of Thanks to all the members of our Armed Forces who have dedicated their lives to make this the greatest nation on Earth. "GOD BLESS AMERICA"