Impression: When you enter into the memorial area you turn to your left and begin to walk around the ramps leading to the two major victory pavilions. You run your hands along the cool granite bricks that make up almost the entire memorial. The bronze rope leads from one granite column to another. Each column holds a wreath on either side. You notice the distinction between the wreaths: one of wheat, one of oak. This pattern is repeated for each of the forty-eight states and seven federal territories that are represented here. The large-scale demonstration of the unity required for our country to win the war makes you want to examine each granite structure individually.
Symbolism: Two wreaths: wheat and oak. The oak represents the industrial contribution the people made to the war. The wheat represents the agricultural contribution. The war was not only won by the soldiers, but also by the individuals. Each state and territory is arranged in order of constitutional ratification. Those that came first sit closest to the Freedom Wall then so on and so forth. The bronze knotted rope that goes from column to column represents the unity of us as a nation- the reason we were able to have success.
Caption: “We are determined that before the sun sets on this terrible struggle our flag will be recognized throughout the world as a symbol of freedom on the one hand and of overwhelming force on the other.” (General George C. Marshall)
“United we stand, divided we fall.”
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