Glendale Veterans War Memorial facts for kids
The Glendale Veterans War Memorial is a special place in Glendale, Arizona. It is also called the Glendale USS Arizona Memorial. This monument honors all the brave men and women who have served in the United States military during different wars. It was built in 2002.
You can find this memorial on the lawn in front of the Glendale Public Library. The address is 5959 West Brown Street. This important monument was created by an artist named Joe Tyler. He had help from Scott Cisson, who works with ceramics, and Sylvania Anderson, a sculptor.
A very unique part of this memorial is that it includes actual pieces from the USS Arizona. This was a large warship, called a battleship, that was sunk during the Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
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Honoring Our Veterans
A veterans memorial is a place built to remember and honor people who have served in the military. These brave individuals are called veterans. They have protected their country during times of war and peace. The Glendale Veterans War Memorial helps us remember their courage and sacrifices. It reminds everyone about the important role they played in history.
What is a Veteran?
A veteran is someone who has served in the armed forces. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Veterans often put their lives at risk to defend their country and its values. Memorials like this one help us show our thanks for their service.
The Story of the USS Arizona
The USS Arizona was a huge battleship belonging to the United States Navy. It was a very powerful ship, designed to fight in naval battles. Its story is a key part of the Glendale memorial.
Pearl Harbor Attack
On December 7, 1941, a surprise attack happened at Pearl Harbor. This was a naval base in Hawaii. Japanese forces attacked the base, and many American ships were damaged or sunk. The USS Arizona was one of the ships that was hit. It sank very quickly, and many sailors lost their lives. This event led the United States to join World War II.
Remembering the Arizona
Even today, the USS Arizona remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. It serves as a memorial to those who died there. The Glendale Veterans War Memorial includes parts of this ship. This helps connect the memorial directly to a very important moment in American history. It reminds us of the sacrifices made during World War II.
Creating the Memorial
The Glendale Veterans War Memorial was a big project. It took the work of several talented artists to bring it to life. Their goal was to create a place that would inspire reflection and respect.
The Artists Behind the Work
Joe Tyler was the main artist for the memorial. He designed the overall look and feel. He worked with Scott Cisson, who is a ceramist. Ceramists work with clay and other materials to create art. Sylvania Anderson, a sculptor, also helped. Sculptors create three-dimensional art, often from stone, metal, or wood. Together, they made sure the memorial was beautiful and meaningful.
Pieces of History
Including actual pieces of the USS Arizona makes the memorial very special. These pieces are not just old metal; they are direct links to history. They help visitors feel a stronger connection to the events of Pearl Harbor and the veterans who served. It's a way to keep history alive and remember the past.