While this is a little late, the photos were taken way before the holiday. It balances out in my head, just sayin’.

While on a walk with Nikki and Cian, we stopped at the Michigan Vietnam Monument Project just east of the Hall of Justice. (In Michigan, even the Super Friends get foreclosed on.)  The atmosphere was tranquil, and as it was a holiday, we had the entire monument to ourselves. I thought over and over that this is something that I should show my father.

The artistry of the architecture struck me. It seems simple and geometric, but much of it is actually suspended above the ground. I couldn’t help but remember my instructions, both in Safety Patrol and the Boy Scouts, that the American Flag never touch the ground when the colors are being raised or lowered. These plaques were afforded the same respect, much as our veterans deserve.

The rest of the plaza was empty and expansive. I thought that it might be meant for future expansion and added plaques, or it might be left for those that we will never be able to properly bury. It might be meant to remind us of those that will never be able to properly come home. The tile set this section apart from the plaques, which hover above concrete. Perhaps this is more meant for many to gather and remember, and to give thanks.

Closest to the Hall of Justice was a miniature rendering of the monument, complete with metal pages engraved with details about the project, if I remember correctly. The entire area struck me as a testament to what we can do when we decide to do something.