F is for Faces of Freedom

It's amazing what a group of inspired citizens can accomplish when they are motivated. In April, 2006, The Atascadero Veterans Memorial Foundation was created by veterans and community members who wanted to honor veterans with a Veterans Memorial of a quality that would draw visitors from outside the city to see it and remember the service of those in San Luis Obispo County who gave their lives for their country. The Memorial was ready for Dedication on November 8, 2008.

The Memorial has several parts. In the center is a sculpture created by Mark Greenaway. The figure shown at the right is a frontal  view of a figure representing a contemporary soldier. He appears on the right end of the statue.

From the left to the right of the front of the statue we see representations soldiers from previous wars with the American Flag as a backdrop.

The back side of the statue shows the head of the bald eagle, representing strength and power.

Encircling the statue from behind is the Heroes Wall, on which the names of those in our county who gave their lives and continue to do to so are and will be inscribed. Each section of the wall is dedicated to those who died in one war, beginning with World War I and going right up to today's War on Terror. The Scroll of Honor in the center, right behind the sculpture, honors those from Atascadero who made the ultimate sacrifice.

You can find out more about the history and meaning of the Memorial, as well as a map and directions to get to it on the Faces of Freedom website. It also has photos taken from the air that will  show you everything at once. The Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial is just north of and adjoining the Atascadero Lake Park and is an easy walk from the park. Why not go and see it on Memorial Day?