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Howard County Veteran and Military Families Monument, Columbia, MD, Larry Kirkland
PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: Design coordination, Materials research, Budget management, Architectural coordination, Engineering coordination and oversight, Fabricator bid process, Fabrication oversight, Lighting design development, Shipping, Installation services, Scheduling, Project close-out.
We are currently working with artist Larry Kirkland on the Howard County Veteran and Military Families Monument in Columbia, Maryland. The monument, to be located in Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey Park, will offer a space for contemplative reflection that celebrates the service and sacrifice of Howard County’s veterans and military families.
Each component of this monument has a deep meaning:
The blue star represents our Veterans and their families in honor of the long-standing tradition for families to hang a blue star when a loved one is serving. The star is slanted at an angle, pointing upward toward the heavens, symbolizing the countless prayers given by all for a safe and a joyful reunion.
The base star is the community star which symbolizes the community at large who support and hold up these families while their loved one is serving. The ten faces of the community star will be engraved with words that reflect the character and virtues of what it means to be of service both as a military member and as a military family member. Those words are honor, courage, sacrifice, service, duty, country, integrity, valor, liberty and faith.
At the center is the gold star which reflects and captures those who have fallen in the line of duty and will never be with us again. It is a hollowed-out portion of the blue star and placed at the center to symbolize the hole in our hearts created by their loss and how they are forever at the center of our hearts and minds. The gold star is positioned to allow the sunlight to illuminate it to shine as bright as their memory.
The reflecting pond represents the tears that are shed and the blood lost. It is also meant to be a symbol of healing, cleansing and renewal. The pond is a place for individuals and families to come and sit on the surrounding benches and reflect on the cost of service and sacrifice of our veterans, currently serving military and their families.
The rim will display quotations that speak to the foundational principles of American freedom and democracy. The quotes read:
“With freedom comes responsibility”
“The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”
Check back for project updates.
Digital modeling and presentation graphics by Mowry Studio.
