VIETNAM WAR
- AGENT ORANGE VICTIMS HAVE AN ORANGE HEART -
As early as 2014, the Foundation began to consult with LSG Landscape Architecture in the process of planning a unique and personal memorial to be dedicated to remembrance of veterans from Allen County, Ohio who died during military service. LSG designed a 2-acre memorial with four distinct and increasingly sacred zones within the site, which will allow for phased implementation. A series of radiating pathways unify the different areas of the site and allow visitors to travel through and experience it in a variety of ways as they choose.
Zone one forms a visible gateway near the intersection of Bellefontaine and Bowman Roads. Located at the terminus of the entry drive, this circular space supports formal gatherings hosting dignitaries and presentation of the honor guard.
The second zone is a large circular space central to the memorial which is dedicated primarily to the remembrance of specific military operations. Twelve granite walls are spaced equally around its perimeter in chronological order, and each displays images to symbolize those events in which county veterans died in service.
The third zone is dedicated to the memory of individual veterans who gave their lives. Each soldier’s name, unit and date is inscribed on continuous waist-high granite walls. These are located within a series of circular outdoor rooms, and each room is situated along a long arcing path.
The fourth zone is a continuous, curvilinear path along the outer memorial perimeter providing an opportunity for contemplative seating and a series of monuments dedicated to individual veterans.
The design was approved in early 2019 and LSG is currently assisting the Memorial Foundation with the construction drawingsfor this project.
Staff Sgt. Aaron T. Reese came from a family with a long military history: His grandfather served during World War II and an uncle was killed in Vietnam. Two other uncles also served in the military. So it wasn't a surprise when he joined the Army shortly after his 1990 high school graduation. "He's one of those you can't forget," said his former Latin teacher, Mike Herzog. "Always working hard, always smiling. He didn't have a bad day. He was always in a positive mood." Reese, 31, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, died Dec. 10 after falling into the Tigris River during a patrol near Baghdad. Reese had served seven years in the Army and six in the National Guard. Survivors include his wife, a 5-year-old son and a year-old daughter. "Aaron was a loving husband, son, father and brother. He loved doing his job and serving his country," said his sister, April Engstrom. "He felt that it was his duty to serve and he loved the soldiers in his squad."
— Associated Press
VIETNAM WAR
- AGENT ORANGE VICTIMS HAVE AN ORANGE HEART -
ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL AND SOME ARE STILL GIVING
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