Resources for the Veterans Community
The Design -- A Place of Dignity, Inspiration and Quiet Contemplations
The Memorial is aesthetically unique and in total concert with the mature natural surroundings of
Capitol Park where it stands. It inspires and nurtures among all visitors -- veterans, non-veterans
and especially school children -- a heightened sense of patriotism and an appreciation for the
sacrifices endured by the veterans from this state since 1850 when statehood was bestowed upon
California.
The memorial consists of a small plaza amongst a grove of mature trees and bordered by a low curved
natural berm along the inside of which benches are set. Behind the berm will be a landscaped earthen
mound intended to enhance the natural contour of the site. In the center of the plaza, the focal point
of the memorial, stands a scultured granite obelisk. The obelisk, an ancient form used as a symbol of
government in many societies, represents a united force reaching upward to emphasize the heroic
determination with which our veterans have defended our freedoms. Upon closer examination, the obelisk
presents the devastation of war. On its surface, visitors will find the careful blending of smooth black
surfaces with almost ghostly images of people in determined defense of their country. The united form of
the obelisk is split into four pieces and set on the four points of the compass to represent the
limitless boundaries of their determination, while the split itself represents the destructive nature
of war and the potential fragmenting of our nation.
In addition to the monument, the memorial contains a registry of veterans accessible through a computer
kiosk using state of the art touch-screen technology. The kiosk sits in the center of a small plaza
formed by granite pavers engraved to honor those who have contributed to the project. Continuing the
artistic line established by the berm surrounding the monument, a similarly curved set of granite
benches sets off the kiosk area.
The power of the memorial elements and the verdant park surroundings into which it is placed enables all visitors to contemplate both the cost of America's liberty and the memory of those men and women who have paid it through their military service.