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The FReeper Foxhole - The National WWII Memorial - May 29th, 2004
http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?page=home.asp ^

Posted on 05/29/2004 12:02:43 AM PDT by snippy_about_it



Lord,

Keep our Troops forever in Your care

Give them victory over the enemy...

Grant them a safe and swift return...

Bless those who mourn the lost.
.

FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer
for all those serving their country at this time.



...................................................................................... ...........................................

U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues

Where Duty, Honor and Country
are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.

Our Mission:

The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans.

In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support.

The FReeper Foxhole hopes to share with it's readers an open forum where we can learn about and discuss military history, military news and other topics of concern or interest to our readers be they Veteran's, Current Duty or anyone interested in what we have to offer.

If the Foxhole makes someone appreciate, even a little, what others have sacrificed for us, then it has accomplished one of it's missions.

We hope the Foxhole in some small way helps us to remember and honor those who came before us.

To read previous Foxhole threads or
to add the Foxhole to your sidebar,
click on the books below.

The National World War II Memorial




Washington, D.C. National Mall




The memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world. It will inspire future generations of Americans, deepening their appreciation of what the World War II generation accomplished in securing freedom and democracy. Above all, the memorial stands as an important symbol of American national unity, a timeless reminder of the moral strength and awesome power that can flow when a free people are at once united and bonded together in a common and just cause.

Memorial Design



The National World War II Memorial design recognizes that the site itself pays special tribute to America's WWII generation. The memorial design creates a special place within the vast openness of the National Mall to commemorate the sacrifice and celebrate the victory of WWII, yet remains respectful and sensitive to its historic surroundings. The vistas from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial and the site's park-like setting are preserved, and the double row of elm trees that flank the memorial have been restored. Above all, the design creates a powerful sense of place that is distinct, memorable, evocative and serene.



Memorial Plaza



The memorial plaza and Rainbow Pool are the principal design features of the memorial, unifying all other elements. Two flagpoles flying the American flag frame the ceremonial entrance at 17th Street. The bases of granite and bronze are adorned with the military service seals of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Army Air Forces, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Ceremonial steps and ramps lead from 17th Street into the plaza. A series of 24 bronze bas relief panels along the ceremonial entrance balustrades depict America's war years, at home and overseas. Announcements of the memorial are located at the 17th Street ceremonial entrance.

Curvilinear ramps at the north and south approaches provide access to the plaza for visitors walking along the existing east-west pathways between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. These ramps provide a gentle entry to the plaza. Granite benches follow the curvilinear rampart walls.

Memorial Pavilions



Two 43-foot pavilions serve as markers and entries on the north and south ends of the plaza. Bronze baldacchinos are an integral part of the pavilion design. Four bronze columns support four American eagles that hold a suspended victory laurel to memorialize the victory of the WWII generation. Inlayed on the floor of the pavilions are the WWII victory medal surrounded by the years "1941-1945" and the words "Victory on Land," "Victory at Sea," and "Victory in the Air." These sculptural elements celebrate the victory won in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters.



Embracing Arms and Pillars



Fifty-six granite pillars celebrate the unprecedented unity of the nation during WWII. The pillars are connected by a bronze sculpted rope that symbolizes the bonding of the nation. Each state and territory from that period and the District of Columbia are represented by a pillar adorned with oak and wheat bronze wreaths and inscribed with its name. The 17-foot pillars are open in the center for greater transparency, and ample space between each allows viewing into and across the memorial.

Commemorative Area



Within a commemorative area at the western side of the memorial is recognized the sacrifice of America's WWII generation and the contribution of our allies. A field of 4,000 sculpted gold stars on the Freedom Wall commemorate the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives. During WWII, the gold star was the symbol of family sacrifice.

Rainbow Pool and Waterworks



The historic waterworks of the Rainbow Pool are completely restored and contribute to the celebratory nature of the memorial. The design provides seating along the pool circumference for visitors. Semi-circular fountains at the base of the two memorial pavilions and waterfalls flanking the Freedom Wall complement the waterworks in the Rainbow Pool.

Landscaping



Two-thirds of the 7.4-acre memorial site is landscaping and water, allowing the memorial to nestle comfortably within its park-like setting. The ceremonial entrance has three large lawn panels between the monumental steps. The double row of elm trees has been restored to their original splendor, and a replanting plan replaced unhealthy trees. A landscaped contemplative area is located at the northwestern corner of the site. Canopies of flowering trees augment re-seeded lawns.

Materials



The memorial is constructed of bronze and granite. Granite was chosen for its aesthetic appeal, superior strength, and durability. Water resistance was another important criterion. The two principal stones selected for the memorial are “Kershaw” for the vertical elements and “Green County” for the main plaza paving stone. “Kershaw” is quarried in South Carolina, while “Green County” is quarried in Georgia. Two green stones – “Rio Verde” and “Moss Green” – were used for accent paving on the plaza. Both are quarried in Brazil. "Academy Black" and "Mount Airy" were used to reconstruct the Rainbow Pool. “Mount Airy,” quarried in North Carolina, is the original coping stone of the Rainbow Pool. To enhance the aesthetic appearance of the water surface of the pool, an apron of “Academy Black,” quarried in California, were used for the vertical interior surfaces.

Dimensions



Length (back of arch to back of arch): 384’
Width (back of basin behind Freedom Wall to bottom of ceremonial entrance): 279’
Plaza: 337’-10” long; 240’-2” wide; 6’ below grade
Rainbow Pool: 246’-9” long; 147’-8” wide
Ceremonial entrance: 148’-3” wide; 147’-8” long (curb to plaza)
2 Arches: 43’ above grade; 23’ square
56 Pillars: 17’ above grade; 4’4” wide; 3’ deep
Freedom Wall: 84’-8” wide; 9’ high from plaza floor; 41’-9” radius




FReeper Foxhole Armed Services Links




TOPICS: VetsCoR
KEYWORDS: freeperfoxhole; history; nationalmemorial; samsdayoff; veterans; wwii
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To: E.G.C.
I want to be sure everyone remembers this holiday isn't just about picknicking and having fun and boating and all that. This is also about remembering those who have sacrificed their lives on the battlelines so that we as Americans can enjoy the freedoms we take so much for granted. To give thanks for fighting for those freedoms.

Amen, E.G.C.

61 posted on 05/29/2004 9:12:10 AM PDT by SAMWolf (Home is where you hang your @.)
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To: SAMWolf


62 posted on 05/29/2004 9:14:03 AM PDT by The Mayor (In God's eyes, true greatness is serving others)
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To: E.G.C.

Thanks EGC.

Every year at the Foxhole we make an effort on Memorial Day to stress that Memorial Day is a day for honoring and remembering those that who died in the service of their country in all wars and attempt to make the distinction that Veteran's Day is the day set aside to honor our living veterans and those that served but are no longer living.

We'll do it again on Mondays Memorial Day thread.

I think Foxholer's know this very well and honor both living and dead everyday. It is a solemn weekend. Fishing would be a good way to rest and reflect. Have a pleasant weekend.


63 posted on 05/29/2004 9:16:18 AM PDT by snippy_about_it (Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
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To: The Mayor


64 posted on 05/29/2004 9:19:14 AM PDT by SAMWolf (Home is where you hang your @.)
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To: snippy_about_it; SAMWolf; Professional Engineer; PhilDragoo; radu; Matthew Paul; All
Memorial Day 2003

Tall Marine
lay long and cold
in his casket
once brave and bold...

Showing his honor
on his chest
thread bare lapel
old at best...

The guns were fired
the roses laid
one brave Marine
in his last parade...

bentfeather ©
04/28/03
RIP Uncle.


65 posted on 05/29/2004 9:21:06 AM PDT by Soaring Feather (~The Dragon Flies' Lair~ Poetry and Prose~)
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To: The Mayor; SAMWolf



66 posted on 05/29/2004 9:25:47 AM PDT by snippy_about_it (Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
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To: bentfeather

Thanks miss feather for sharing your poetry honoring your uncle.


67 posted on 05/29/2004 9:26:40 AM PDT by snippy_about_it (Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
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To: snippy_about_it



I had better go out and clean out my garage, otherwise this will turn into an epic!

LOL!!!!

68 posted on 05/29/2004 9:33:33 AM PDT by The Mayor (In God's eyes, true greatness is serving others)
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To: SAMWolf

for you too!


69 posted on 05/29/2004 9:34:29 AM PDT by The Mayor (In God's eyes, true greatness is serving others)
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To: SAMWolf

I think it's still on cable.


70 posted on 05/29/2004 9:57:46 AM PDT by Valin (Hating people is like burning down your house to kill a rat)
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To: bentfeather

Thanks Feather. Beautiful Tribute to your Uncle.


71 posted on 05/29/2004 9:58:36 AM PDT by SAMWolf (Home is where you hang your @.)
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To: Valin

I was hoping one of the "Old Series" channels was re-running it.


72 posted on 05/29/2004 9:59:45 AM PDT by SAMWolf (Home is where you hang your @.)
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To: The Mayor; snippy_about_it

Ok, Truce or Snippy will get on our case again. ;-)


73 posted on 05/29/2004 10:00:28 AM PDT by SAMWolf (Home is where you hang your @.)
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To: snippy_about_it

Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.

And it's still true today!



Off to hunt down the wily and dangerous three egg omelet.


74 posted on 05/29/2004 10:02:14 AM PDT by Valin (Hating people is like burning down your house to kill a rat)
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To: snippy_about_it
GM, snippy!

free dixie,sw

75 posted on 05/29/2004 10:03:08 AM PDT by stand watie (Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God. -T. Jefferson)
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To: Valin; SAMWolf; snippy_about_it
Off to hunt down the wily and dangerous three egg omelet.

OH no, don't throw a 3 egg omlet into the mix..

Truce!

76 posted on 05/29/2004 10:04:24 AM PDT by The Mayor (In God's eyes, true greatness is serving others)
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To: snippy_about_it; SAMWolf

You're welcome snippy and Sam.


77 posted on 05/29/2004 10:05:09 AM PDT by Soaring Feather (~The Dragon Flies' Lair~ Poetry and Prose~)
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To: SAMWolf; snippy_about_it

The new Memorial in Washington is beautiful, thanks for the thread.


78 posted on 05/29/2004 10:07:36 AM PDT by Soaring Feather (~The Dragon Flies' Lair~ Poetry and Prose~)
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To: bentfeather

You're welcome feather, it is a nice memorial.


79 posted on 05/29/2004 10:33:04 AM PDT by snippy_about_it (Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul.)
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To: Valin
Off to hunt down the wily and dangerous three egg omelet.

I bagged my limit.

80 posted on 05/29/2004 10:33:25 AM PDT by SAMWolf (Home is where you hang your @.)
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