On Veterans Day, November 11, 2006, a new Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial was unveiled in Salem, Oregon near the Oregon Veterans' Building. An official groundbreaking had taken place on the previous Veterans Day, but construction did not actually begin until September 2006.
The design of the memorial consists of a large pool depicting a map of the world. A column-like pedestal sits on the America's place on the map. On top of the pedestal sits a statue of a soldier on one knee, reaching out to the rest of the world.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
Here is the statue before the unveiling. There have been some changes to the design. Originally, the column was to bear the seals of each branch of the Armed Forces.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
This wider view shows more of the map in the fountain pool. More changes include the design of the fountain. The original design had rows of water jets depicting the Equator, Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. As built, there are groups of small jets, with a large central fountain.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
This wall was also covered for the unveiling, though it was obviously a wall of names.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
Here is a view of the covered statue from the other direction.
National Guard Helicopter Flyover at the Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter flying over during the ceremony.
Governor Ted Kulongoski at the Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
Governor Ted Kulongoski approaching the memorial to watch the unveiling. I believe the woman with him is M.J. Kesterson, who started the movement for the memorial after her son Erik died in Iraq in November 2003. (I had picked out a spot on the edge of the fountain near the wall of names from which to watch the statue be unveiled and the fountain started. As it happened, Governor Kulongoski must have though it was a good spot too, and stood right next to me as the statue was uncovered and the fountain was started.)
Here are two videos from the ceremony.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
Here are pictures of the memorial statue and fountain after the ceremony. The groups of small jets actually produce a mist. The central fountain was not part of the original plan, and appears much larger than originally intended.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
This is the unveiled wall of names. There is a lot of empty space on the wall for additional names, since the conflicts aren't over.
Governor Ted Kulongoski at the Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial Unveiling in Salem, Oregon on November 11, 2006.
Governor Kulongoski posing with the people responsible for the memorial.
Related Links:
Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs
Oregon Military Department
Oregon Office of the Governor
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