What's your favorite "military memorial?"

 We have many memorials to honor the sacrifice made by Americans to advance the necessity to stay free for all nations, but especially for the beacon of freedom, the United States of America.  Personally, the Viet Nam Veterans Wall is my favorite.  It lists each man and woman who died in the service of the nation and the cause of freedom for the Vietnamese people.  Each name is a unique story of sacrifice and reasons for making the decision to serve.  I have friends listed on the wall as do many of us and therein lies the power of the this memorial.  I have seen the roaming Wall, but have never been to DC to see the Wall, but would like to before I die.  The roaming wall had a profound impact on me and I can only imagine the impact the actual Wall would have.  Memorials provide us with a way to stay connected to events and to remember.  They also provide future generations with a reflection of what it takes to maintain freedom and the sacrifice required to accomplish that goal.

<p>Here's an interesting memorial from another thread submitted by 1Lt Sandy Annala, the Kilroy Marker: "<span class="AA-BLK-SansCaptionsBold">The 'Kilroy Was Here Marker' is located near Neillsville, Wisconsin, in Clark County. The marker can be reached from Ridge Road 0.4 miles west of Clark Avenue. The Marker is at The Highground. Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Marker is at or near this postal address:&nbsp; W7031 Ridge Road, Neillsville WI 54456, USA.&nbsp;It was originally a memorial to Vietnam War veterans, although the&nbsp;high ground area now includes memorials to veterans of other wars."&nbsp; If you have&nbsp;any trouble&nbsp;making out the inscription, it reads:&nbsp;"Kilroy Was Here: During World War II this was a symbol for the American Serviceman. Any place in the world where one of them went he would see it. It was found in restrooms, on trucks, tanks, ships, bombed out walls, and almost any place it could be painted, penned, scratched or chalked. Even during an invasion or battle, someone would leave this symbol where those following would see it. It was a symbol of courage, pride, encouragement, and very definitely a moral booster. That is why it was selected to represent all the service personnel who served in World War II all around the world. This is a loving memorial embracing all who served during the World War II years from 1940 through 1945." http://www.kilroywashere.org/001-Pages/01-0KilroySightings-5.html</span></p><p><span class="AA-BLK-SansCaptionsBold"></span>&nbsp;</p><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.kilroywashere.org/00-Images/kroy-small.gif"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="http://www.kilroywashere.org/001-Pages/01-0KilroySightings-5.html" target="_blank">WWII's Kilroy Was Here, Sightings that continue 60+ years later page 5</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Kilroy Was Here captured the imagination of millions of Gis during WWII and the Korean War – See why!</div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

During my BOLC in Virginia I had the opportunity to visit DC on a volunteer project. While I didn't get to see all I would have liked to during my short visit, I was fortunate enough to visit Arlington National Cemetery, walk around the grounds, and witness a Changing of the Guard. The ceremony and the grounds left such an impression on me that several months after I left I worked the inscription from the apse into an elaborate tattoo. "When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen."<br>

This one is part of Memorial Garden in Illesheim. &nbsp;A little closer to my time.

FT. Logan. my Dad is out there

I like the korean war memorial in Washington, along with the Vietnam and World War II. However, the tomb of the unknown soldier has to take the top accolade.

Either the Vietnam wall, or the wall of Eagle Globe And Anchors inside the Marine Corps Museum... Both of those tug at my tear ducts really badly...

I was at NDU on&nbsp;Ft McNair for a seminar and had the opportunity to visit Arlington. It was cold, clear, and&nbsp;covered in snow. I spent almost the entire day there visiting Audie Murphy's grave, Arlington House, and&nbsp;a host of other places;&nbsp;watched the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown. It is one of the most solemn and awe inspiring places I have ever been. It's hard not to be moved&nbsp;after being in the presence of heroes.

This is a really good question and I think for many of us the answer will depend on the impact a memorial has had in our lives. Be it due to a particular name on it, service related or a patriotic sentiment attached to it. For just over a year now I have been searching for and documenting memorials dedicated to the men and women of America's veterans. Some are from small communities, others are tucked away in large parks unknown to all but those who might stumble upon them or search for them, while others are large and are known about. I personally don't have a favorite since to me they are all equally important to tell a story. In essence they are all my favorite. Here's a link with some that I have been gathering with many more photos to come in the following months.<br>https://www.facebook.com/VeteransMemorialsInTheUSA<br><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn2/276715_ [login to see] 14823_379670668_n.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/VeteransMemorialsInTheUSA">Veterans Memorials of the U.S.A.</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Dedicated to showing the Veterans Memorials scattered in communities around the United states and...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Ok I'm biased... the raising of the flag at Iwo Jim a (are you surprised at all?)
Rah!
S/F