Hiking Slowly
Whether I'm new to an area, or just driving through on a road trip, I'm always looking for interesting places to explore. With Memorial Day approaching, the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden (LMSG) popped up on my social medial feed. A new place to hike with sculptures to view while also having the opportunity to honor the people who serve was the perfect place to spend a couple of hours this weekend.
Located on the northern side of Mount Shasta on Hwy 97, the park is easy to find with a road sign as well as the large statue of the "Peaceful Warrior" at the entrance. Entering the park, there is a large parking lot on the left with several picnic tables and an information booth providing pamphlets that contain a map of the garden.
Pulling into the parking lot, I immediately saw the Hot LZ Wall, so that's where I started. For the civilians reading this, Hot LZ stands for a Landing Zone where there is incoming fire from the enemy. The name reflects the piece, which includes a statue of a helicopter perched on top of a wall decorated with names of individuals who valiantly served our country.
After a few moments of silence, I headed out toward the garden. The path is meant for vehicles, but I decided to walk to the sculptures and enjoy the quiet. The first two sculptures stand across from each other on the road. To the left is the "Greatest Generation", depicting the second raising of the US flag on Iwo Jima and is the artist's tribute to his father and the Veterans of World War II. To the right is "Those Left Behind", a statue of a woman holding a folded flag to honor the memory of deceased Veterans.
Continuing on toward the rest of the sculptures, I noticed how solemn the space was. Driving on the highway toward the park, the hills and valleys are covered in purple and yellow spring blooms. Here, though, there were no flowers at all. Just trees and grasses and smaller green bushes. It's as if Mother Nature wanted the noise of the party to stay outside so visitors could have space for quiet introspection.
The rest of the sculptures are arranged in a circle around the sculpture called "The Why Group". This inaugural piece depicts a man rushing to assist a fallen comrade as the figure above reaches to the sky.
Moving on with the first sculpture on the right and proceeding left I found the "POW-MIA" piece depicting a captured veteran from the Vietnam era inside a cage. This one spoke to me as I sat on the bench and looked through the arch covered with mementos lovingly left by visitors. The second sculpture, "Coming Home" shows a returning Veteran embracing his partner. The third, "All Wounded Warriors", shows an amputee arched backward and reaching for the sky.
The final three pieces were the most profound to me. "The Nurses" depicts two men carrying an injured comrade on a stretcher with a woman directing them. Having recently read The Women, by Kristin Hannah, this was a vivid reminder that, throughout every battle, there have been women fighting alongside men, even before they were allowed to carry a weapon. "Flute Player" is a group of four statues, one playing the flute while two others stand in motionless dance poses and the fourth reaching toward the visitor on the bench, endlessly searching for aid. Ironically, in this space of silent song is the only place where flowers were blooming. The final sculpture, "Korean War" depicting a man sitting on the ground in silent anguish with his head bowed and resting in his hand, was the most moving of them all.
Founded by a group of Veterans in 1988 and currently maintained by the local Kiwanis Club, the LMSG pays homage to all honorable Veterans, in conflict and in peace. It is a place for contemplation and reflection, a place where everyone is welcome.
"Although we may not be the soldier, sailor, marine or airman engaged in a conflict, we may be a family member left behind, or the refugee whose home has been torn up by the ravages of war."
To all the individuals who have served and to the family members who have been left behind, we thank you.
