Thursday, January 23, 2020

A visit to the War Memorial


I greatly appreciate everyone who has been here even though I was too sick to visit or post.

It's obvious I have made no art to speak of since I got sick.  However, I have a few things I've not shown from my blog when the youngsters were in Wichita last summer.  For those of you who are new to my blog, I had a friend who died of cancer nearly three years ago.  She left her three children in my care until her sister could fly in from California to bury her sister and take charge of the children, who she later adopted.

The children have visited me for the past two summers, and I am always on the lookout for free (or really inexpensive) and educational things to do with them.  I couldn't believe it when they got excited about visiting the Wichita War Memorial.  I thought it would be the last thing they would want to see, but I was thrilled when they got excited about going.

There are more than a dozen memorials, from the Revolutionary War all the way up to Iraqi Freedom.  The one above is the WWII Memorial.  I was surprised how many people were in the park that day, many with their children.  Even though it was a week day, it appears people bring their children here for either vacation or on their days off.

We sidestepped the WWII memorial and went directly to the Operation Freedom Memorial.

I got a little carried away with this statue.

I found it mesmerizing.


I wanted to get every part of it.



It's part of the Operation Freedom Memorial.  This memorial honors those service members who fell at the hands of terrorism.  It was dedicated in 2014. These thick, shiny, black granite walls list the names of all of the Kansas servicemen and women who died in conflicts related to the war on terrorism.

There are several Operations that were included in Operation Freedom.

Poignant and relevant, but incredibly difficult to photograph

because there were other people and the youngsters I didn't want to include in the photos.  You can read about the Walls of Honor above.

More Operations under the Operation Freedom umbrella.

These bricks can be purchased.  They are part of the Veterans Memorial Walkway.  The Veteran's name, rank, branch of service, and service dates are added to each stone purchased.

This tells the story of the statue.  It's a memorial known as the "soldier's cross."  It represents a fallen or missing soldier and:
consists of a soldier's boots, bayonet, helmet, rifle, and sometimes dog tags.
This  bench represents the Prisoners Of War and those Missing In Action.


This was just the first of the memorials.  I'll show more later.

Thank you beyond belief for visiting today.  I'll be by to visit you soon.  Right now, I'm trying to get my strength back.  It took every ounce of energy I had to get this completed.  Unfortunately, it's time to climb back into bed.


15 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Get well soon Elizabeth and don't worry about blogging or visiting! Valerie

My name is Erika. said...

That's a beautiful memorial and it's nice the kids wanted to go their. It's also nice they want to come back and visit. I suppose it makes them closer to their old life, but they seem like gerat kids. Thanks so much for sharing. Hugs-Erika

CJ Kennedy said...

I can see why you got carried away with the Soldier's Cross statue, it's very beautiful.

Caty said...

I wish you ´ll feel better very soon with lots of energy, but yes, it´s time to rest and listen to your body. I´m impressed by this beautiful memorials, thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Have a nice day dear Elizabeth,
Biig hugss, Caty

Divers and Sundry said...

Striking memorial. I'm hoping you are feeling fine soon so you can get back to all the things you love to do.

Helen said...

The memorial is fabulous, and the youngsters are obviously well grounded and interested people. take care and make sure you get fully better before you try and do too much.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

thanx for sharing elizabeth and I hope you are feeling better. this had to be emotional visiting. I had a MIA bracelet in my early teens; I can remember after a time if the soldier wasn't "found", you buried the bracelet. it had the name of the soldier engraved into the metal; and depending if he was MIA or POW, the bracelet had a blue /white star to the left. the soldier's name was dennis a wilkerson; I've never forgotten that ~ ♥♥♥

DVArtist said...

Truly a beautiful post. I am sorry you are still sick. Sending healing energy to you.

Jeanie said...

These are beautiful and so meaningful. How wonderful the young ones could visit.

I'm concerned that you aren't fully well by now. It's been a long time and for you to not do art tells me this is more than just a little bug. Please take care of yourself. If I lived near you, I'd bring you a big vat of chicken soup -- or any kind you like.

Meggymay said...

This must have been a really interesting destination, The young ones must be storing many memories of their visits with you. The photos you shared look lovely so peaceful and a place to honour those who served.
Yvonne xx

Lowcarb team member said...

That is a most beautiful memorial, I enjoyed seeing your photographs.
Sending healing thoughts and good wishes to you.

All the best Jan

Rita said...

That statue is amazing!
So sorry you have been so sick. Hope you recover quickly. :)

Iris Flavia said...

Oh, Elizabeth. This desease takes so many people away. Three children without a mother. Such a sad story, but wonderful you take them in for summers.
What a sad statue, too. Courage and sacrifice, so sad this is needed in these darn wars, those, that will never end, I suppose.
The eagle is a beautiful tribute, too.
Best wishes from here, I hope you are back to your health soon! And take it slow...

aussie aNNie said...

I thank you for your visit today but please get well...lovely post.xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

That statue is a wonderful way of expressing the horrors of war! I am pleased that the young ones enjoyed their visit - an important venue I would say ! Chrisx