Living Memorial Sculpture Garden

In beautiful Siskiyou county on Hwy 97 in Weed, CA is a profound work of art. It is the Living Memorial Statue Garden dedicated to all Veterans. It is placed out amongst the natural landscape of the area in the sagebrush and pine trees and has a stunning view of the monstrous Mt. Shasta. The statues themselves are stunning pieces of work forged from steel.

The statues are magnificent, crafted with care and great attention. The forms of the human figure are fluid and lifelike even though they are faceless works of metal. There are many remembrances and mementos left at each of the groupings of statues as well as tucked away into the area's surrounding them. One that particularly caught my eye and emotions was the POW MIA statue. It is powerful of a prisoner in a cage, and there is an arch that is covered in POW bracelets and remembrances. I found one particular trinket to be the summation of all the hurt that was contained on the arch. It was a small keychain that stuck out to me as it glinted in the sunlight, and when I got closer to read it, I just had to take a picture. The words simply read: May Peace Prevail On Earth.

The garden was constructed as a safe haven, a place to remember and a place to spend time and mend. It is exactly that. You feel the strength of the statues and what they stand for, and you see the left behind remembrances and traces of family and friends. All are living testaments to the women and men that served in the Armed Forces through generations. It is a place to tell them that they are appreciated, and remembered and honored. With it's serene and almost overpowering view of Mt. Shasta it is an ethereal place that beckons you to stay and spend some time.

The artist Dennis Smith has created masterful works of art in these statues. He was a Vietnam War Marine Corps sergeant and his emotions and connection to the content show through in his work. In the informational brochure that can be found at the garden, Mr. Smith is quoted " I don't think the purpose of art is to entertain, but to uplift, edify and educate." I have to say to Mr. Dennis Smith; Thank you for your service to the country, your dedication to your craft, and for leaving me uplifted and edified.

The statue groups are as follows: The Why Group, The Peaceful Warrior, Those Left Behind, The Greatest Generation, POW - MIA, Coming Home, All Wounded Warriors, The Nurses, The Flute Player, Korean War Veteran, and the Hot LZ Memorial Wall. I did not photograph them all as I think there is something to be left for when people visit on their own to be seen.

For more information please visit: http://www.weedlmsg.org/