Gwinnett's Fallen Heroes Memorial
Symbolism Of Memorial
As plans for this memorial began, we were faced with the challenge of bringing meaning, honor
and tribute to our fallen heroes. Too many stories prevail to list them all here, but one warrants
particular attention. During a Memorial Service, as Color Guards and Honor Guards were lined
up to present colors, the most chilling and amazing flyover of a U. S. Navy Jet occurred. Timing
was superb, and everyone wondered how we managed to perfect it. We didn?t. No flyover was
ordered. After extensive contacts with surrounding airports and military bases throughout the
Southeast trying to find someone to thank, we were told there were no U. S. Navy planes in our
area at that time. This flying tribute will forever be considered a gift of divine intervention.
Two gardens flanking the entrance to the memorial signify peace.
Escalating pylons portray the build-up of aggressions that lead to war.
Remoteness of the fallen heroes memorial panels from the entry
depicts their march into battle.
The open plaza delineates the world at large.
Landing atop the center pedestal, the majestic eagle portrays
arrival of friends to a place of safety.
The rose in the eagle?s talon exemplifies remembrance.
The prickly thorns symbolize the heartache of losing a loved one.
The semi-circular design of the memorial panels represents birth to a life cut short.
Reflections on black granite symbolize memories.
Names of 676 fallen heroes are placed randomly and without rank
as no one loss is greater than another.
In eternal tribute, nothing stands taller than the memorial panels
except the flags that fly above them.
The eagle is 1.5 inches lower than the pannels
?Old Glory? stands center stage and unites all beneath her
Bradford Pear Trees encircling the memorial panels depict the four seasons of life:
Early blossoms (the beginning of life), full foliage (maturing into adulthood),
brilliant fall color (advancing years), and barren limbs (passing of life).
The return of the blossoms image new generations, and the cycle repeats.
Welcome Home, Fallen Heroes! Welcome Home!
ADDITIONAL MEMORIAL FACTS:
An anonymous donor purchased the first brick, ?LZ Friendly? (Landing Zone Friendly).
The center obelisk weighs 8,400 pounds and stands 84 inches tall.
Total depth of the memorial from entry to the flagpoles is 192 feet.
Pylons escalate in height: 4 feet, 6 feet, 8 feet.
The walkway opens into an 80' x 62' plaza.
The weight of the eagle is approximately 200 lbs. She stands 22.5 inches tall.
Overall height of eagle & obelisk 106.5 inches, 1.5 inches lower than the pannels
Each granite slab weighs 7,400 pounds, is 9 feet tall, 4 feet wide and
has a depth of 1 foot.
?American Black? granite was used and was quarried in Pennsylvania.
Names of Fallen Heroes are engraved according to memorial protocol with
?Government Script? lettering.
Names of Gwinnett?s Fallen Heroes face the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center, for in the end, truth and justice prevail.
BACK