State Stones form a Modest Monument, Dunedin, Florida. (original) (raw)
Memorial Day 2012
Clearwater and Dunedin, Florida War Memorials
Rediscovered, Restored (Clearwater) and Relocated (Dunedin)
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.
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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