Five years later: We'll never forget

Antelope Valley Press on . ^ | Tuesday, September 12, 2006 | ALISHA SEMCHUCK

[BenLurkin]

QUARTZ HILL - A Monday morning ceremony at George Lane County Park mirrored those in communities large and small across the nation paying homage to the victims and heroes of 9-11 and their families.

At least 150 Antelope Valley residents, with community movers and shakers, and government officials gathered at the county park for the dedication and unveiling of the Memorial Wall, donated by Palmdale residents Danny and Donnia Brooks, who spend much of their time working with at-risk youth.

The military holds a special place in the Brooks' hearts, as does the service provided by firefighters and law enforcement officers.

The plaque reflects their sentiment. Danny Brooks said they contracted a Virginia-based company to design the project. "We told them what we were looking for. They sent us some artwork. We came up with this."

In the center sits a plaque that reads, "In Memory of All American Veterans." Beneath that, it states, "We the people are forever indebted to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces."

To one side is a plaque sculpted with images of firefighters - one holding a hose, another carrying a person and still another climbing a truck ladder. Beneath those images, it says, "May we never extinguish the flame of gratitude that burns deep in our hearts for the men and women of the great country's fire departments."

On the opposite side rests the third plaque, dedicated to law enforcement. Again the sculpted bronze has images of officers at work - one patting the head of a small child, another on a motorcycle and a couple of others, including a police dog, doing their day-to-day tasks

[BenLurkin]

"WALL A REALITY - George Lane County Park patrons Danny and Donnia Brooks, left, stand with Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich in front of the park's memorial wall that was dedicated Monday in honor of the military, firefighters and law enforcement. The Brookses envisioned the memorial and donated the funds to make it a reality." EVELYN KRISTO/Valley Press

[backtothestreets]

I can't forget, and doubt many can. I'm going on a brief tangent for a moment.

I share the heartfelt thoughts of all that are erecting memorials to the fallen victims and heroes of 9-11.

I believe the government could have given the way to a more positive means of paying homage by making war bonds available. I believe the best memorial we could have for the fallen is a victory over our enemy. The time to erect permanent memorials is after victory is achieved.

In the wake of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the nation joined in a chorus of "Remember Pearl Harbor". It was a verbal memorial. The USS Arizona Memorial came about 20 years after the attack. Victory over our enemy was the most fitting memorial.

[BenLurkin]

Good comments!

[backtothestreets]

Thanks. I was/am concerned some might think my comments cold or callous.