|
|
|
|
Memorial Day Castle Built actually on the day before Memorial Day, Wally and I knew we wanted to build something tall, and something fitting to remember those who "Protect and Serve". Six and half hours later, we had a finished castle. Though surrounded by myriads of onlookers, and drive-by'ers, never has one of our sculptures brought on such emotion from people.
Represented on the sculpture: Army Navy Air Force
Marines US Coast Guard Police
Some people would snap a photo and tell us, "This is going in the mail as soon as I get home. I'm sending it to my son/daughter. He/She's in Iraq right now." Another little girl told me that her teacher was in Iraq and that her class sent him care packages all the time.... and now they were going to send a photo of our castle. Maybe it would "put a smile on his face." I hope so.
I cried with one mother, who's Army son was recently deployed. She kept returning to look at the sculpture over, and over again.
One gentleman, hailing from the Chalybeate Springs Fire Department, came over and shook my hand, telling me, "I'm represented on your sculpture... twice!" Then, he ran up and brought his fiancé down to see.
Then there was the 30-year Navy veteran who, with firm set mouth and weather face, simply nodded at Wally and I and said, "Good job." But this story has yet another chapter... an unexpected high tide hit once again. (We weren't the only one's caught off guard. Some cars ended up in the surf as the tide came higher than expected) As I put the finishing touches on the lettering, I felt ocean water lapping at my feet. Not a good sign, especially with the high tide time still over an hour away. Wally and I decided to snap some pictures and return some of our gear back to the van, knowing that most likely the tide would claim the castle within minutes.
From seemingly out of nowhere, an army of kids descended on the castle and began building a wall. The waves slapped against the wall, and immediately behind it would be another "wall builder" who would throw more sand onto the wall and another would pack it in. Some were carrying sand with Frisbees, some with skim boards, some just with sand piled up in their shirts. It was an encouraging sight to see. The sightseers who would venture out later would never have seen the castle had it not been for the diligent work of these young workers. Thanks guys and gals.
As the light began to fade, many, many people from up and down the beach descended on the sculpture . Though Wally and family had left, I found myself reluctant to leave, staying until the last bit of light faded from the sky. I pray that this message goes far and wide. May God bless our troops here and abroad. You are appreciated. You are remembered.
|
visitors since 5/31/04