Today is Memorial Day. Yesterday evening, we visited Veterans Park in Broken Arrow, OK where they created a remembrance for this Memorial Day called Field of Heroes.
Rather than a field of flags, which one of our cemeteries displays yearly (and it's an awesome sight), Field of Heroes places boots to represent those who gave their life in service.
Organizers say there are over 600 pairs of boots on the field. Each one has a flag and a tag identifying an Oklahoman who lost their life in service to the country.
In the background of the above photo, you can see a permanent sculpture. I've driven past here many times and always assumed the silhouettes symbolized a soldier of the various branches.
When I photographed this, it spoke to me of the peace we enjoy because of the men and women who work to protect it.
What I did not realize until I walked around more was this display is called "The War at Home Memorial." I wondered, 'what do they mean by that?'
How sobering to find out it was created to recognize those who could not heal from the mental or emotional scars of war. It's estimated that 20 veterans per day commit suicide.
Behind the fountain in the above photo is the Women's War Memorial honoring women who have served in all wars since our nation's birth. It represents those in the military, nurses, factory workers, and women who worked behind the scenes for freedom, including Betsy Ross.
I edited my pictures with a dark filter this time. It just felt appropriate for this solemn occasion.
The suicide rate of veterans is astonishing and heartbreaking. The article I linked below will shed more light on this issue and I've included some information on where to get help if you know someone who needs your support.
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