Chasing Statues - Part Three

I'd know the Alabama Veterans' Memorial was located near Miss Liberty, but I'd never been there.  David hadn't been, so I decided we'd go there.  It's located off the Liberty Park I459 exit.  Don't turn toward Overton Road, but go to where it says it's a dead end and turn right!  You'll go up the hill to a parking lot. 

We parked and walked up to a welcome sign and building.  We were met by this new friend!

Beyond the sign is a walkway to the memorial. It's just alongside the interstate and you can here the traffic, but it's a nice path through the woods.  Lots of trees, plants, and birds.  The path winds through the woods and there are benches nearby if you feel the need to stop and rest.  We kept going.  If you've ever driven along 459, you would have noticed a HUGE American flag along the road on top of the hill.  The flag is located in this park.  You make a turn in on the path and the memorial comes into view.

There are many columns, each with two or three panels inserted into the columns.  They were very moving below are some of the inserts.  The last two will sum up how this ties up the whole day.  What you don't see is the enclosed portion of the memorial.  It has the names of all the Alabama soldiers who died during wars since World War I.  There are also many quotes from presidents here, too.  The light wasn't good, so the photos aren't here for that portion.  Take a moment to go and visit and see what I mean!

Note the small hands inset in the larger ones.

One of the many Medal of Honor winners honored here.

This monument was particularly moving.  Below are the words to the poem here:

Vietnam 1972

Dear Mother:

Everything is pretty quiet here tonight.  The mood is somber.  I've written another poem.

As I lie here in silence, there may be
there may be many beautiful flowers that surround me
But I can no longer smell their sweetness.
nor see their beauty.
In life you gave me flower of help,
thankfulness, love and kindness.
From you I received a flower of wisdom,
knowledge and guidance.
To those who gave to my bouquet of life,
thank you for making my life a little
more beautiful.

Thanks Mom. That's it for today. Give
everyone my love.

Your son,
Keith

The one everyone dreaded.

Now for the last two that tie all the CHASING STATUES together.  The last two have references to the Statue of Liberty and Vulcan.  Didn't plan it that way....just happened.

GIVE ME YOUR TIRED....

AND VULCAN'S CHILDREN...

Catch us down the road!

Jenny :)