NC Veterans Park to Open July 4, 2011
On July 4, 2011 North Carolina’s Veteran’s park will open in downtown Fayetteville beside the Airborne & Special Operations Museum.
To encourage advance media coverage of the park’s opening, I pulled together and released some information on the park. Prior to my research, I knew very little. What I learned is pretty neat, and I thought I would share it with you.
The park’s theme is “A Veteran’s Journey: life before, during and after service.”
Dozens of artistic details pay homage to the state and veterans. Since the park is for all branches of service, many places in the park have themes of five.
There will be both apparent and subtle symbolism in the three main outdoor areas of the park: Community Plaza, Service Plaza and the Reflection Garden.
In the Community Plaza, a bronzed right hand of a veterans from each of NC’s 100’s counties will adorn a curved “Oath” wall. In front of the wall will stand 50 columns, each with a county’s name on each side. Fur civilians from each county will also have their hands cast on a tile and the tiles will be incorporated into the columns. The Community Plaza represents the time before a citizen joins the military.
The Service Plaza, next to the Community Plaza, represents the period when a veteran is on active-duty. This portion of the park will incorporate seven abstract sculptures that are made of military salvage parts. The sculptures signify seven concepts often associated with the military: commitment, courage, dedication, heroism, sacrifice, service and honor.
Next to the Service Plaza, the Reflection garden offers two still pools of water. This symbolizes life after service.
Other noteworthy features of the park-
* soil from each of NC’s 100 counties is being incorporated into all aspects
* In the Visitors Center building, a multi-colored glass wall will replicate all of the military service ribbons.
* Seven water features throughout the park
I can’t think of a better place to honor North Carolina veterans than our community of history, heroes and a hometown feeling.
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