Memorial Day 2009: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The remembrance of Amercian war dead is celebrated annually as Memorial Day. One of the many ways in 42N country that the sacrifice is remembered is through the small scale version of an Arlington, Virgina sculpture. Outside of the Cedar Rapids' Veterans Memorial Building is the United States Marine Corps War Memorial portraying the flag raising on Iwo Jima from World War II.

This sculpture (above) is based on the one that Felix de Weldon designed for display half a continent away. The Cedar Rapids' version was prepared in 1960. Directly behind the flag raising diminutive is the illumination side of the stained glass window designed by Grant Wood. The story tall window, designed in 1928 was damaged during the 2008 flood (June 2008) and is being studied for repair.

As millions of Americans enjoy a long holiday weekend the words on the statue's base reflects the sentiment of sacrifices made by the men and women of our military.

"Our finest tribute to their valor will be the quality of our own lives." Know that.