The Truth about Memorials and the Presence of Weapons of War

Although you will occasionally find a community with a Howitzer cannon located at a roadside intersection, a VFW or American Legion Post, it is very rare that you will find one on the same grounds as an inscribed memorial with the names of those killed or missing in action. I understand the visual connection some make for the association; war and weapon. That is not the association I make. I focus on the honor, respect and quiet, prayerful thought that is deserving of those who sacrificed their lives.

Nearby, in the town of Norton, the names of veterans are listed individually on a memorial situated at the intersection of routes 123 and 140 at Library Square, across from the town’s old brick library and opposite the Unitarian Church. The triangle shaped area, surrounded by a green iron fence has three large monument stones, two marble, each with a large plaque for WW I and WW II and lists the names of those killed or missing in action bracketed above the names of those that served in each war. A third, dark granite monument has a large plaque on each side; one for the Korean War and one for the Vietnam War and similarly lists the names of those killed or missing in action above the names of those who served. Although there is a Howitzer in the town of Norton, it is not included anywhere near the memorials with the names of those who were killed.

A weapon of war does not exist among the Attleboro, Woburn,Weymouth, Springfield or Worcester memorials. A weapon of war does not exist among the many memorials of Boston, including those at the Fens and South Boston. Finally, in Washington D.C. there is no weapon of war at any memorial site. In fact, it is the 58,318 names on the wall of the Vietnam Memorial that makes it so emotionally impactful.
Seekonk has a statement it can be proud of just the way it is, located along the major north-south route through town. It doesn’t need any embellishments. It doesn’t need to display any ‘tools’ of war in some attempt to teach history. It is perfectly complete. Let’s hope we never have to add another name.

Lauren C. Walsh