Al Larsen - Matfield Green Rest Area - Rural Chase County, Ks.
Posted by: 
iconions
N 38° 05.752 W 096° 34.740
14S E 712295 N 4219219
This very moving memorial is located north of the service area in the Matfield Green Service Area at Mile Post 96 on the Kansas Turnpike.
Waymark Code: WMBZWE
Location: Kansas, United States
Date Posted: 07/09/2011
Views: 5
The Al Larsen Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of one individual trying to save fellow motorists from a flood on August 30th, 2003. Six people perished, including Al Larsen. The Al Larsen Memorial is in the middle of a larger area that commemorates the flood and it's victims. It consists of the concrete pylon with the two plaques to Al Larsen in the middle of a circle of concrete squares and grass. This area is surrounded by a circular pathway with six burning bushes and six larger trees to commemorate all of the victims.
The text of the Main Pylon reads:
August 30, 2003
In Memory of Al Larsen
This Monument is dedicated to the memory and honor of Al Larsen, whose actions were a testament to his strength and courage. His heroism during the Jacob Creek flood cost him his life on the night of August 30, 2003, near milepost 116 on the Kansas Turnpike.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest.
God is nigh.
- Taps.
Larger Plaque
I look around and see many trees
Some are skinny like a pick, some fuller than the seas
The ground is their mother, from which they have come
The heaven is their father, the path for some
How high they will get, depends on their seed
Advise they are given, the warnings they heed
Upon sprout they are simple, straight like a stick
Choices are made, branches off as they pick
Good ones are there, bad ones as well
Without any made, fulfillment can't tell
Taller with age, looking back as they do
Regrets are 20/20, the sky above open and blue
No time is too late, reflection is now
Firm trunk as a base, always growing, somehow
Make your path to the heavens, filled with branches ans leaves
Living goals and your dreams, try new things and believe
When the time comes, look down from above
Knowing your tree, was filled with memories and love.
- Al Larsen
Website with more information on either the memorial or the person(s) it is dedicated to: [Web Link]
Location: Matfield Green Service Area
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