THE VETERANS WALL OF HONOR IN HERITAGE PARK BECOMING A REALITY
The Veterans Wall of Honor was only a dream of U.S. Navy veteran Joanne Consalvo-Mulvaney of Stockbridge, Georgia. The groundbreaking ceremony on March 15th marked the start of a vision turning reality. The Veterans Wall of Honor will be distinctive. This Wall will remind visitors of how blessed we are as a nation and of the sacrifices made by men and women of our military. It will also offer an educational opportunity for children to appreciate that the freedom Americans enjoy did not come free.
DEDICATION & TESTIMONIAL
The Veterans Wall of Honor is dedicated by Joanne to her father, Joseph Consalvo a WWII veteran and all veterans of the United States who have served in peace or in periods of conflict. From Joanne Consalvo-Mulvaney:
God truly opened my mind, eyes, heart and soul allowing me to capture such a magnificent vision. It is a vision of love and honor for all American veterans. I stand in awe and pride knowing our veterans have put it all on the line for us. The dream, vision and design for this Wall were given from a higher power.
EDUCATION
Structures and spaces that are built for remembrance can also provide powerful learning tools. Set in Heritage Park, the Veterans Wall can be used as a classroom away from the classroom. Along with the Heritage Museum and the historic buildings at Heritage Village, the Wall can serve to educate children and visitors for generations to come. By visiting the Wall school children will have the opportunity to learn what the American veteran has sacrificed for their freedom. Visitors are invited and welcomed from Henry County and from around the United States. In addition, public ceremonies and observances of national holidays can be held in the plaza of the Wall. Let us not forget our past, lest we compromise our future.
FLAGS
The stairs leading from the path will raise the viewer up to the main level. From the top of the stairs six pairs of flags will flank a broad sidewalk called Veterans Walk, which will be inlaid with paver bricks personalized by veterans. One pair of flags on stone pedestals will stand for each branch of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as the National Guard. In addition to the bricks in Veterans Walk, there will be other walkways for sponsor, family and individual personalized bricks. The sidewalk procession will then open onto the plaza. A broad arc of fifty state flags will stretch behind the Wall, further representing the diversity of background and the unity of purpose by the veterans and their service.
IMAGES
Granite will be the facing of the Wall to permit permanence to battle scenes, quotes by Presidents and military leaders and inspirational poems that will be laser etched into the Wall.
POW/MIA PLAZA
Facing the Veterans Wall will be a smaller plaza to honor the POW/MIA's of all services. This area will consist of two smaller granite walls and a circular plinth bearing the POW/MIA flag. The plaza will serve as a route to a winding foot path that crosses a creek symbolizing those who have been lost in military action but remain in the hearts of their families, friends and a grateful nation.
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