Celebrating Freedom - A View from the State Capitol Grounds

stalks symbolizing men and women of Washington who died in the war. Large rocks with engraved battle dates and names surround the wheat field. Almost 3,000 granite tiles engraved in gratitude or remembrance are placed along the monument's walkway. Simon Kogan, a Russian immigrant who lives in Olympia was the sculptor. (Remember as you look at the photo, the blades in the back are 14-feet high.)

(6) The POW/MIA monument was dedicated in 1988 and followed with an all-night vigil. The marble monument was the first offical Vietnam Veteran's memorial but was retrofitted (after the new Vietnam War Monument was installed) with a new granite top honoring Washington prisoners of war and those missing in action.

The Capitol Grounds

I end with a few calming pictures from the capitol grounds. I'm a tree-hugger, so I love to shoot photos of them all over the state; this one's on the campus. Some of the gardens around the campus are a great site to just meditate, especially after visiting the war memorials. Notice the sunflowers just starting to grow. Finally, the replica Tivoli Fountain is not running at this time due to water shortages, but it's pretty just the same.

In closing, I honor you, war veterans and families. Thank you for my continuing freedom.

Copyright 2001 Jerri Brooker

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