Before heading back home after visiting The Wellsburger, we stopped at the Wellsburg Veterans Memorial, pictured below. It is almost surprising how many small towns in our area have beautiful memorials to our veterans.
I hadn't stopped to closely look at this one before because my relatives who served during the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars are on the Ackley memorial, and my relatives who served in the Civil War are on the Eldora memorial. Many neighbors and their families are listed in Wellsburg, but none of my family members are.
This memorial was built only a few years ago, and is one of the nicest local ones. The back of the memorial reads, "This memorial is not to honor war, but to show the price of peace, lest future generations forget the sacrifice made to maintain our freedom."
I hate to see memorials and statues defaced and think it is sad that some would consider destroying some of those in the South, including the majestic Stone Mountain.
It doesn't make sense to destroy history because we disagree with it. As others have mentioned, that is what we see being done in the Middle East by religious extremists who tear down and destroy the relics of antiquity with power tools and sledgehammers because those relics do not conform to their ideology. Must Americans follow their example?
Hello Bethany, it looks like a lovely memorial for the veterans. I do think most Americans are proud of our country and its history, it is only a few people who deface and destroy. I think some is done by teenagers just acting stupid. I hope you day is great!
ReplyDeleteYours too! A few people bent on destruction can do an annoying amount of damage.
Deletei like seeing the veterans' memorials around here, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Theresa!
DeleteBeautiful spot, Bethany! I find it sad how step by step we are tearing down the history the founders of this country sacrificed their lives for...I feel like the youth of this generation have no interest or respect for our country and are actually being encouraged to hate it...But nevertheless, thank you for reminding me personally of this today! :) God bless!
ReplyDeleteThe world is a strange place; there have been so many changes even from the '90s. Americans do have a rich heritage, but you're right, it's sadly not as respected any more.
DeleteReminds me of the John Adams quote, "Posterity, you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in heaven that ever I took half the pains to preserve it."
I enjoyed your photos, Bethany, and I am filled with awe for our brave servicemen. When we visit memorials we show respect for them and our country's heritage.
ReplyDeleteSadly, some Americans are already busy tearing down our heritage. Some of the Civil War Era parks here in Tennessee have recently been renamed.
Why does everything have to be so politically correct nowadays?
DeleteI think we have to respect history for what it is. We learn from it.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
Deletelovely!
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice spot, right by the park and bandshell.
Delete"It doesn't make sense to destroy history because we disagree with it. As others have mentioned, that is what we see being done in the Middle East by religious extremists who tear down and destroy the relics of antiquity with power tools and sledgehammers because those relics do not conform to their ideology. Must Americans follow their example?"
ReplyDeleteBethany, I could not have said it better!! It is really tragic to see the destruction of history and art, even more tragic to see the hysteria and hatred that fuels this destruction. I think it is really revealing of an immaturity and ignorance in our nation. The United States Union saw fit to leave the Southern monuments after the Civil War due to a respect and code of honor...why should we feel differently today?
Dani from A Vapor in the Wind
Villainizing the South and trying to destroy its history seems completely unnecessary--especially after 150 years.
DeleteFreedom is the most expensive thing one can ever earn.
ReplyDeleteI liked your post, Bethany.
Personally, I don't care for oppression of any kind, be it in the 'name of' religion, or any dogma; whether in the Middle East or oppression by China in Tibet.
Nice write-up!
On a lighter note, I am yet to see Stone Mountain though it is only about 20 miles from our home :)
Hopefully, soon...
Have a Wonderful Day!
Peace :)
Oh, I hope you're able to make it out there to see it!
Delete"Oppression makes a wise man mad," Ecclesiastes 7:7 says. It can drive a person crazy. I hate to see oppression, violence, injustice, and anything wrong for that matter.
I really appreciate what you said here. I think it's really sad when things like that are done. This is a really beautiful memorial.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteYour last paragraph in this post sums it up nicely. Lately I've found myself making the same comparisons as you pointed out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Paul.
DeleteBethanuy lovely post and nice to see your memorial place. In Europe we have much more which are mostly well- kept for next geneations... To remember..Peace is the only way to survive... Have a nice weekend love from heart of Europe
ReplyDeleteGood to hear the European memorials are well kept. Europe has dealt with so many terrible wars.
DeleteChanges in civilization often seem to be very uncivilized to me, and prompt me to ponder how the Lord will empower me to be loving as the winds of change swirl around me.
ReplyDeleteUncivilized? Yes, definitely. You have a beautiful outlook to look to the Lord to give you love for others in spite of everything.
DeleteWowwww... what a neat monument.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned, it's one of the nicest in our area. :)
DeleteI love the quote on the monument, a perfect sentiment. I firmly believe that people who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. It's often difficult to see the point of no return, until you're looking back at it form the other side. May God give us the strength to stand and the wisdom to speak. Bless you, Bethany.
ReplyDeleteYou too, June. I often think of that quote about people who do not learn from history being destined to repeat. It certainly works that way in chess for me. If I don't learn from my losses, I'll lose the same way again until I do learn. But losses can make me stronger if I choose to learn from them.
DeleteWhat's going on in our country today is very disturbing. I hope things settle down so that we can give honor where, and to whom, it is due. Also, what June said. :)
ReplyDeleteDisturbing is the right word for many of the things going on here today.
DeleteThat is a great quote! And that is precisely how I see memorials - the price paid for the peace and freedom we enjoy. We must always honour the ones who have made and those who now make sacrifices for us. How sad that some people don't understand this.
ReplyDeleteYes. Thanks for visiting, Martha.
DeleteThis is beautiful...a beautiful peaceful resting place!!
ReplyDeleteAnd what you wrote: "It doesn't make sense to destroy history because we disagree with it."
I say Amen to that!!
Thanks for stopping by, Anni!
Deletethis is a great post bethany, well written and summarized beautifully.important words that need to be said!!!
ReplyDeleteJust lovely Bethany. Such a beautiful memorial and your words are so true...and they hit home. My Brother is in the military and as much as I pray for peace and hate war, I'm so proud of the sacrifices he has made to keep our country safe. God bless all of our military and those that appreciate and aknowledge their sacrifices. xoxo
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your family!
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog Bethany, i hope we can follow each other posts...blessings from Holland
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure. Blessings to you as well.
DeleteBeautiful, my dear, just beautiful. It is truly heartbreaking to see where our nation is headed and I know God's heart is breaking too....
ReplyDeleteWishing you a lovely Wednesday. Hugs!
It is sad. You have a wonderful Wednesday too! Take care!
DeleteSo many small villages in the part of the world I was born in have memorials to the First and Second World War - there are a shocking number of names on them, many bearing the same family name. I can't imagine what it must have been like.
ReplyDeleteStewart M - Melbourne
PS: I think I detect a reason for pro red head bias in your profile picture!
Me, biased? ;)
DeleteIt must have been a difficult time for all those with family members fighting in the World Wars. Perhaps one of the saddest stories from our area would be that of the 5 Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa who were all on the same ship and were all killed when it was sunk by a Japanese submarine. I've heard my great grandmother was acquainted with their mother.
Hi Bethany, Another beautiful post here. I recently saw a bumper sticker that summarizes a lot for me when it gets down to the nitty gritty about US Veterans ... it said: No Veterans, No America. Isn't it the truth? We owe our Veterans so much and we have built some beautiful Memorials like the one you have featured. And you are so right about history! Blessings to you for putting all this out there for us to think about!
ReplyDeleteYep, that's right. Bumper stickers can have a lot of interesting statements, and some of them are pretty good. Blessings to you as well!
DeleteA gratidão é a memória do coração!
ReplyDeleteObrigada querida, pela sua amizade carinhosa, fico feliz
em saber que em algum lugar desse mundo você existe, e
agradeço a Deus pela sua atenção sempre presente e amável!
Um grande abraço, Marie.
Thank you for stopping by, Marie! God bless!
DeleteHi Bethany! I just found your blog through Paige's blog and I really admire and appreciate your posts about travel and politics from a Christian standpoint. With all of the controversial issues and viewpoints going on in America nowadays, it can be difficult for a Christian to determine his stance according to the Bible. I look forward to your future posts!
ReplyDelete❤ Blaze Ann
www.p31beauty.blogspot.com
Thanks Blaze Ann! Great to meet you; I've just hopped over to your blog, and it looks pretty nice!
DeleteAdd me to the list of bloggers who agree with your sentiments, Bethany. To make fun of or deface a memorial is to destroy the chance to understand a history that matters deeply to the people who put it there. By understanding, we create an opportunity for a peaceful future. Beautiful photos of the Wellsburg Veterans Memorial. And, by the way, wishing you a very, very Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteYou are such an adorable girl and you love history :) I am so happy to have the opportunity to explore new places via your blog. Kisses, Liuba x
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy seeing the places you visit as well. Take care!
DeleteThank you for stopping by!
ReplyDelete