Bemidji Veteran Memorial - Bemidji, MN
Posted by: 
lenron
N 47° 28.890 W 094° 52.605
15T E 358608 N 5260380
Veteran's memorial located in Bemidji, Minnesota.
Waymark Code: WMD7QQ
Location: Minnesota, United States
Date Posted: 12/02/2011
Views: 6
Across the street from Bemidji State University sits a small, corner lot that houses a city park. The park is named Ralph Gracie park and is named in honor of a Bemidji resident who was killed in action in World War I. The park is a nice grassy area among the homes and college campus. Within the park sits a great veteran's memorial.
The American Legion Post #14 maintains the memorial and does sell donor stones for $100. The park is laid out in a very organized symbolic way. The post describes the symbolism this way:
The Post states that the symbolism of the Bemidji Armed Forces Veterans Memorial within Ralph Gracie park represents the following:
In the center of the circle is the flag of the United States of America, a symbol of Freedom and Pride.
Surrounding the U.S. Flag are 5 stones representing the 5 Armed Forces of the United States, each dedicated to preserve and protect the freedom of our great nation.
The Veterans walk circles the monument, representing the never-ending appreciation for those who have served.
Engraved into the Veterans walk are the names of area veterans who have been prepared to, or have given their lives in defending the freedom of the United States.
The twin walks that lead to the monument signify a Path of Peace, which represent community involvement and support.
A stone representing World War II Merchant Marines rests just beyond the Veterans Walk.
While there was snow on the grounds when I visited, the memorial layout is still easy to see and very dignified.
Type of Memorial: Non-Specific Memorial
In Honor Of: Ralph Gracie and all area veterans
Marker Text:
Markers are symbols and logs of all of the branches of the military.
Who Put it Here?: American Legion Post #14
Description of Memorial:
Set in a small city park across the street from Bemidji State University. Honors a World War I veteran and all veterans, all military branches. Nice raised platform with a flagpole is the center of the memorial, surrounded by stones and markers.
Wars mentioned (Multi-war only): Not listed
Date of dedication: Not listed
|
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.