DC NY road trip 2012: Vietnam & Korean War Memorials

Three Soldiers, or Three Servicemen, by Frederick E. Hart represents unity with diversity by portraying men of Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic decent who served together in either the Army or Marines fighting for freedom in the Vietnam War. Hart said of this statue: "The portrayal of the figures is consistent with history. They wear the uniform and carry the equipment of war; they are young. The contrast between the innocence of their youth and the weapons of war underscores the poignancy of their sacrifice. There is about them the physical contact and sense of unity that bespeaks the bonds of love and sacrifice that is the nature of men at war. And yet they are each alone. Their strength and their vulnerability are both evident. Their true heroism lies in these bonds of loyalty in the face of their aloneness and their vulnerability." 

The Vietnam Women's Memorial by Glenna Goodacre is a tribute to servicewomen, most of whom were nurses. Faith, Hope, and Charity, these three servicewomen's attributed names, tend to a wounded soldier, and are encircled by eight yellowwood trees honoring the eight servicewomen who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. 

Thirsty baby.

Thirst quenched.
Happy again!

Umbrellas came in handy by lunch time. Though the predicted rain never came, we were happy for protection from the sun.

Watching tears well up in the eyes of an Honor Flight veteran deepened the gravity of the Korean War Veterans Memorial by Frank Gaylord. This memorial depicts 19 American soldiers making their way through unknown Korean terrain toward the American flag and the costly freedom it represents.

A serious pose, a certain truth.