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Memorial
Day 2012
Clearwater and Dunedin, Florida War Memorials
Rediscovered, Restored
(Clearwater) and Relocated (Dunedin) State
Stones Form a Modest Monument
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Three
miles north of the
statues in Clearwater sits an entirely different monument. Erected by the
Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1970, this is a “homemade” monument cobbled together
(as artistically as possible considering the medium) from stone sent or gathered
from all 50 States – reminding us that every state, territory or possession provided
husbands, fathers and sons to the Armed Services.
To some people, this
monument has been taking up two parking spaces in the marina lot for over 40 years,
but the more serious truth of the matter is simply that it largely goes unnoticed
in its present location. People park their car and then walk right past it.
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The
Memorial not yet relocated
Photo by John Troesser, May 2012 |
Soon it will be moved
a few hundred feet into an existing park where a greener environment will allow
for more leisurely inspection of this geologic sampler.
The
monument may prove tricky to move. Out-of-state vandals were evidently so homesick
that they pried-off identifying plaques and nameplates from their former homes,
leaving gaps that reveal the matrix of the monument to be a honeycomb of mere
cement.
There is a fascination with variety of any sort, and the stone
components of the monument provide a feast for the curious. There is volcanic
stone from Hawaii and from the Granite State of New Hampshire – granite. No surprise
there.
But surprises and questions abound. Why did some states respond
with dignity and formal tradition while others half-heartedly abbreviated their
name. |
A
historical artifact from the now-free country of Panana
Photo by John Troesser, May 2012 |
Idaho's
contribution includes the state silhouette.
Photo by John Troesser, May 2012 |
Louisiana's
unique conrtibution.
Photo by John Troesser, May 2012 |
"Forty-nine
States and the Department of Montana"
Photo by John Troesser, May 2012 |
Vandalized
stone from the state of ?
Photo by John Troesser, May 2012 |
The
Texas Silhouette - once said to be
"the
second-most recognizable shape in the world."
Photo by John Troesser, May 2012 |
One dignified
stone states it is from “The Canal Zone.” Today it is a historic artifact.
One
has to wonder where Louisiana found a stone to send and why Montana calls itself
a “Department.” Both Texas and Idaho felt the need
to show their well-known silhouettes but perhaps due to the seriousness of the
project, Idaho missed the opportunity to mention “famous potatoes” as they do
on their license plates.
Looking up at an eagle over a bronze plaque, the
visitor is reminded of the monument’s purpose – a remembrance of the sacrifices
of so many men from so many places – and of the enormity and cost of war. |
The
VFW Dedication Plaque
Photo by John Troesser, May 2012 | |
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