Sunday, May 26, 2013

Memorial Day Visit to the WW2 Submarine Memorial

 Remember a few weeks ago I shared a little visit to nearby Seal Beach, CA? You can revisit that post here. Well, I didn't share all of the places I went to that day. I saved one part of my little trip for today, Memorial Day. I thought it would be fitting to show you the U.S. Submarine Veterans WWII National Memorial West that is in Seal Beach at the Naval Weapons Reserve. Only a short distance from the Pacific Ocean, this spot is only a couple miles from where I live as well.

  
   I can't tell you how many times I've passed by this place and never stopped. It didn't look like much from the road and I was usually on my way somewhere else. But on that day I stopped and I'm glad I did. It was a sobering reminder of what our soldiers have sacrificed for our country.
LetsGoSeeIt  

   One of the best things about starting this blog is that I have had to keep my eyes and imagination open for new places and ideas. It has made be grateful for things in my everyday life. Places I go, things I do, projects I create, all become something to share and be more aware of as a possible new post for others to experience. Blogging has made me take note of my surroundings and helps me see the beauty in everyday things when I take the time to 'stop and smell the roses'.
So I finally made a visit to the Submarine Memorial.
A plaque as you enter the memorial grounds...

"Still on Patrol"
 U.S. Navy Submarines paid heavily for their success in  World War II. A total of 374 officers and 3131 men are on board these 52 U.S.Submarines, still on 'patrol'. We shall never forget that it was our submarines that held the lines against the enemy while our fleets replaced losses and repaired wounds. 
~Fleet Admiral C.W. Nimitz, U.S.N.
I can assure you that they went down fighting and that the brothers who survived them took a grim toll of our savage enemy to avenge their deaths. 
~Vice Admiral Lockwood, Jr. U.S.N. Commander Submarine Force 1943-1946
52 headstones, one for each of the submarines. The crew and officers names are listed that died serving the U.S.A. aboard them.
A small and simple, yet effective tribute to the lost soldiers.
A closer view of a headstone and a pretty, patriotic water fountain.
Thank you to all the armed forces who help this keep flying...
Peace to those who have served and have lost their lives doing so. Peace to all those grieving their loss.
 Peace and hope that war will be no more.

Have a Peaceful Day!
Cindy

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