http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM6BM7_Middle_East_Conflicts_Memorial_Marseilles_IL
This link has some photos.
http://www.tripfilms.com/Travel_Video-v64935-Marseilles-Middle_East_Conflicts_Memorial_Wall-Video.html
This link has a video.
So this class makes me think about architecture all the time now. This is no exception.
The landscape architect had a conservative take on Maya Lin's Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
First of all, its a "conflict" memorial. The name does have a lot to do with the meaning of the memorial. Maya Lin made it a fact to remove the word "war" from the name of the memorial, and this memorial changed the word "war" to "conflict".
Secondly, the form is similar to Lin's. There is a small decline in the topography to the center tablet of the memorial. It isn't as intense as Lin's, but it is enough to feel it subconsciously. The material is the reflective marble that allows oneself to see their own reflection in the names on the wall. You can also do a "rubbing", which is placing a piece of paper over a name and rubbing graphite to get a name. There is also ample space between the walkway and the wall to put flowers, pictures, etc. All these aspects are taken from Lin's wall in DC.
However, there are differences. The tablets were spaced apart instead of one continuous wall. This is a postive aspect, because located directly behind this memorial flows the Illinois River. This natural backdrop isn't obscured by the wall. Furthermore, instead of just the wall of tablets, this LA included a large centerpiece that explained the significance of the wall, flanked with seating. Also, given the small space of the memorial, and the small amount of names, the size of the memorial is small. Therefore, this centerpiece acts almost to buff the wall up.
This memorial is very moving. The cadre and cadets who have been deployed all knew someone who was on the wall. Even I knew a couple people on the wall. Since it is so current, it is moving. The design isn't extravagant or awe inspiring - it's not even original! But it is very effective.
I have a few questions for this memorial: Have we gotten to a point where we are making memorials of things that are still occuring?
This war is still going on. Memorials, I feel, are getting closer and closer to the event. It is to the point where now we are putting up memorials before things are even over.
At the far right of the wall, the last tablet had portions blank at the bottom, to add more names. What happens when that tablet runs out of space? Was that intentional? Was that a design intention or a design flaw? Either way, names are going to keep coming, and the site is going to have to get adjusted to include those names.
This looks like a moving space. As far as leaving names for people is terribly unfortunate, but necessary. This war, for us, has been going on since 2001, so you have raised an interesting question. Who knows when it all will end, but at what point should a memorial be placed. With this, I don't think that it is too early to remember those on the wall.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there is something about the human scale in the memorial that responds to its meaning and it is as though these memorials are standing at attention around the public, or those who are visiting. Thank you for posting this.
This wall was built by American Patriots. There was no government input or funds and it was not built to celebrate the might of our country or the outcome of a national war. Unfortunately too many memorials were erected in this country after the families and friends are no longer around. They were never assured that their loved ones would be remembered for their bravery and the difference their lives made. We did not have to wait until the war was over for many decades. This wall is a gift to those families to be comforted and to be wrapped in the warmth and love of many individual citizens of a nation truly grateful. Our organization the IL.Motorcycle Freedom Run.org, the City of Marseilles, and the Illinois Valley Cellular have a plan to provide for additional panels should this conflict continue. We pray for the day we no longer have to add any names but we will be here until then. Hank Bostelman, President www.Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run.org
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to respond, Hank. Your firsthand knowledge and your dedication to the site is very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI think what we can take from this site is the idea of solidifying the events that have shaped our country's history through the land, and through memorials. Too often does our population forget the radical events that influence our past, present, and future.
Furthermore, I do agree with your statement that the fallen were not guaranteed with the context of the sacrifice that they have made. Loved ones will never forget them, and they will never forget the passing of their loved ones. That is a fact.
However, memorials stand to represent what their passing stood for. They place their sacrifice in the greater context of our country's history, just like every other war memorial.
I would have to say that memorials stand for future generations, rather than the generation that felt it the most. The current generation that is fighting this war will have memories of the conflict (perhaps less intense because of the scale of the conflict, ie. vs/ WW2). But it is safe to say that the impact on the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of my generation will have an impact much different view, and probably a more powerful experience, than we who experience it every day. My experience through the Korean War memorial in Washington DC would be much different than my grandfather, who was there, and relives his experience every day of his life. Seeing that, I could only imagine what occurred there.
The site will stand the test of time. The amount of support from the bikers that were present on sunday proves that there is a large amount of support for this memorial and many others around the nation.