Stark, moving, memorial plaza invites contemplation
NC-18
Fallston, Lincoln County
We did it not for glory
American Legion W R Gary Post 527
Fallston, North Carolina
but for God, Country, and each other
Forever Brothers and Sisters"
This is truly a monument for comrades. Recently erected by the Fallston American Legion Post, this very striking memorial recognizes the service of hundreds of local men and women that have served from the American Revolution forward to today. At the center of the small plaza stands a obelisk about 9 feet tall. At three cardinal points stand flat marble panels inscribed with the names, units, dates of service, and special remarks about the service member. The flag standards rises from the final compass point.
The panels tell many stories of this nation, and how the little village of Fallston contributed to them. All of the clues are there; "Scofield Barracks 12/7/41", "Navajo Code Talkers MP Guard", "POW Gettysburg", "Rainbow Div, Ger", "KIA 10/7/42 Guadalcanal". School age children won't know the significance of most of the little hints, and doubtless will many adults. But for those of us that understand and appreciate the history of sacrifice made by those in uniform, we know. And it is our obligation, whenever possible, to turn to our fellow citizens and explain about Iwo Jima, Bastogne, Omaha Beach, Khe Sanh, The Argonne Forest, Yorktown, Petersburg, and a thousand other quiet meadows that have been turned into battlefields. We must ensure our children understand that until recently wars were fought with sabres, guns, and cannons that turned groups of earnest men into masses of broken bones and bloodied flesh.
We also must not allow the convenience of warfare by cruise missile and remotely operated air vehicles lull us into the sense of security that displaces these images of combat involving men and women whose only true wish is to safely return home. This monument implies that they all stood together, and makes the subtle suggestion that we should stand beside them.
The members of American Legion Post 527 are rightfully proud of their comrades. We have been well served by them.
