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| In the Korean War Memorial, soldiers march warily through a field of juniper. |
Remembering the Past. What is a Memorial?
1. Something, such as a monument or holiday, intended to honor the memory of a person or an event;
2. Serving as a remembrance of a person or an event; commemorative;
3. In memory.
The destruction of the World Trade Center towers last September 11 was a horrifying event, one that we sometimes might wish we could forget. But planning is already underway for a memorial. Why? Because by remembering the past, we honor those who took part in it, we search for healing and comfort and we hope for a different future.
Chesapeake Country is full of memorials, all of them dedicated to real people who lived through events — like wars and slavery — that were, in their own ways, as awful as September 11. These memorials help us remember the sacrifices and courage of real people in difficult times, and they help us move on.
Pick a memorial and find out who it’s dedicated to:
There might be a memorial in a local community park. Who is it dedicated to? When was it erected? Who put it there? Why?
There are plenty of memorials nearby: the Kunta Kinte memorial in downtown Annapolis; Fort McHenry in Baltimore; Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Maryland; the Marine Corps Memorial (the Iwo Jima memorial) in McLean, Virginia; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C.
Pick one to learn about on-line (you can use the computers in your local library).
Then plan a visit. What’s the most striking thing about it? What would you want other people to know about what you saw?
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| The Washington Monument stands tall . |
Then think about the people or events that you would like to remember — and what you’d like to help other people remember, too. If you were to plan a memorial to someone or something, who or what would it be? How would you do it?
Try making a collage from snapshots or pictures cut from a magazine. Carve a plaque out of wood. Or make a sculpture out of clay. Then pick the perfect place for your memorial: a spot that is special to you, and where others can see it. Throw a party to celebrate the people and events you’re remembering.
To learn more about some nearby memorials, go to:
To see a memorial come alive, take a trip to Baltimore for the Fort McHenry Defenders’ Day Star-Spangled Banner Weekend, September 13-15, with living history demonstrations, visiting ships and (on Saturday night) a concert and fireworks: 410/962-4290 • www.nps.gov/fomc/calendar02.htm.
Kids Stuff
September 7
Arthur, Arthur
Arthur is America’s favorite bespectacled mouse. Hear about his adventures with the Backstreet Boys, make your own instrument and play games with Arthur himself. 2pm @ Borders Books, Annapolis Mall: 410/571-9420.
September 8
Fall Flora, Fall Fauna
Kids 3-5, discover the changing world of plants and animals in the swamp. 10am & 2pm @ Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Gray’s Rd. off Sixes Rd., Prince Frederick. $3 w/discounts; rsvp: 410/535-5327.
September 10
Grandparents Day
Grandkids of all ages, treat your grandparents to a scrumptious spread of teas and desserts and celebrate their day in style. 2-3pm @ Darnall’s Chance Museum, Gov. Oden Bowie Dr., Upper Marlboro. $15 w/discounts; rsvp: 301/952-8010.
Plan Ahead
Nutcracker Auditions
September 13–Dancers 7 and older, audition for the annual December Ballet Theatre of Annapolis production of The Nutcracker. Girls wear black leotards and pink tights; boys wear white T-shirts and black tights. No jewelry. Rehearsals begin September 13. 3:30-9:30pm @ Maryland Hall, Chase Street, Annapolis. $15 to audition; $35 if selected; rsvp: 410/263-8289.
