Fallen Soldier Memorial - Big Spring, TX
Posted by: 
condor1
N 32° 13.756 W 101° 29.908
14S E 264563 N 3568587
This Fallen Soldier's Memorial is located in Big Spring TX. Specifically in Vietnam Memorial Park which is in central west Big Spring.
Waymark Code: WMJJE5
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 11/24/2013
Views: 4
This memorial is dedicated to all fallen soldiers in the last 5 major US conflicts. The symbol of the Boots, Rifle and Helmet have long been the military revered sign shown to Remember a Fallen Soldier. The Big Spring Vietnam Veterans Park is a very appropriate place to find this symbol of the Fallen Soldier.
A little history of the
"Battlefield Cross"
The Fallen Soldier Battle Cross, Battlefield Cross or Battle Cross is a symbolic replacement of a cross on the battlefield or at the base camp for a soldier who has been killed. Made up of the soldier's rifle with bayonet attached stuck into the ground, helmet on top, dog tags sometimes hanging from the rifle and the boots of the fallen soldier next to it. Its purpose is to show honor and respect for the fallen at the battle site. The practice started during the American Civil War or maybe earlier as a means of identifying the bodies on the battleground before they were removed.
Today, it is an immediate means of showing respect for the fallen among the still living members of the troop. It might be seen in the field or base camp after the battle.
Used less today as a means to identify the fallen but more as a private ceremony among those still living as a means to mourn, as attending the funeral is not always possible for soldiers still in the fight.
Type of Memorial: Multi-War Memorial
Wars mentioned (Multi-war only):
WW1
WW2
Korea
Vietnam
Afghanistan
In Honor Of: NO Specific Honoree Listed.
Marker Text:
WW1 - Helmet
WW2 - Canteen
Korea - Web Belt
Vietnam - Rifle
Afghanistan - Boots
Date of dedication: May 27, 1991
Who Put it Here?: Vietnam Memorial Committee of Big Spring, Inc.
Description of Memorial:
This Memorial is located in the 2.7 acre Vietnam Veterans Park. The park has been evolving since its dedication in 1991. No specific mention has been found for the placement of this Fallen Soldier Memorial
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Visit Instructions:
Visited Logs must contain, at least, a picture of the monument and your GPSr. Preferably YOU at the monument with your GPSr, but we understand that some people are camera-shy.
It is suggested you please include something about your visit here, as well.