Thousands of crosses, stars and crescents cover a field in Lafayette, creating a visual representation of the number of Americans who died in the Iraq war. I think it is a perfect work of art – just makes a statement, doesn’t tell you how to feel, yet everyone who sees it is moved. Today, I saw that many of these markers have been personalized with a name, flowers, ribbons, candles, decorations.
Here is a quote from the woman who owns the land that this memorial is on: “It is a shrine for some people, and it is a protest for other people,” said Louise Clark, an 83-year-old widow and longtime Lafayette resident who allowed this arresting orchard to be planted on her land.
Lafayette, California
Advertisements
A powerful image.
A very personal tribute to those who were caught up in the war that seems without end! Very moving!
I like that the owner recognizes that this memorial on her land has different meanings to different people – a shrine or a form of protest. Brilliant.
Such a thought provoking image.
I like that.
that is sad.
i think it is very good that this lady allowed that! whose idea was it?
very moving, especially with the one sign “Father”
Somehow it is the personalising that has given greater power to the work of art. It is not just that any more – not just a work of art. It is a living breathing memorial representing those who no longer live nor breathe. I like the concept of the orchard.
Power to that 83 year old woman from Lafayette …
I like how these start off as simple, crude crosses and then were embellished.