Patriots Flag Concourse and Memorial in Salisbury City Park NC

Patriots Flag Concourse and Memorial in Salisbury

If asked what one remembers about City Park near Rowan Regional Medical Center, many would mention the lake or perhaps the many geese and ducks who make the park their home. Perhaps they might mention the popular playground loaded with a climbing wall, monkey bars, a slide, and swings. Some may think of the tennis courts or hiking trails with picnic tables along the paths. A few of us who have been around for a few years might even remember the small train that used to run through the woods.

Rowan County Veterans Memorial

As my family walked around the park in search of a hidden little play area near the intersection of North Jackson and West Miller Streets in the summer of 2012, we made a new discovery: the Patriots Flag Concourse and Memorial. This one is easy to miss – one could easily visit the park and never see this tribute. I felt compelled to return to the spot on November 11.

Veteran Memorial at City Lake Park in Salisbury NC

Reid Leonard of the Rotary Club of Salisbury, NC began with a dream, and with the help of many from the community, a fitting tribute to veterans past, present, and future became reality. The memorial heralds six flags that fly high above the concourse. The base of each flag pays tribute to to those who have served. The American flag stands tallest and is flanked by flags of the armed services including:

• Army
• Navy
• Air Force
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Merchant Marines

Veterans Memorial Near Rowan Regional Medical Center

Plaques are located throughout the flag concourse with many patriotic quotes. The words of the Pledge of Allegiance can be found here. It does include "under God." Another plaque that caught my eye were words from the Declaration of Independence that begins "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, ...." Another quote is from the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. These are words that many have sought and fought to protect and uphold...words worth remembering. Words our children may never learn unless we step out and teach them.

Tribute to Military Branches

A sidewalk creates a circular path that leads to two large brick sculptures created by Sue Landerman of Portsmouth, Virginia. Each sculpture depicts three scenes representing each of the six branches of military service. You will find the flag raising at Iwo Jima and Old Ironsides here. You will see bombs being dropped. If you look closely, you will see small details etched within the larger pictures. Each scene is accompanied by a brief description.

Depiction of Flag Raising at Iwo Jima

You will also see many names of people who helped to make the memorial happen. Many are veterans. Others are family members of veterans or those who have been deeply touched by the sacrifices of the many men and women who have served the nation with honor. Veterans are often quick to mention that family members have a tough job holding down the home front when duty calls. They also are witness to the lives that are forever changed by military service as many veterans find that a piece of themselves remains forever on the battlefield.

As you walk around the circular sidewalk, you will find a large gazebo. When we visited on November 11, beautiful roses beckoned. The area is peaceful, serene, a nice place for quiet contemplation. A place where the kids can learn about sacrifice and some of our nation's history. A place to give thanks for blessings that most of us take for granted.

Veterans Tribute by Rotary Club

This memorial is a fitting tribute that shows great respect for those who have served, are now serving, and those who will serve in the future. The kids may love the lake, the geese, and perhaps even a picnic lunch, but you can make the outing much more significant via a walking history lesson by visiting the Patriots Flag Concourse and Memorial. Many thanks to those who made this memorial possible!

Many people faithfully serve veterans through simple, tangible, and meaningful ways, such as the Rowan County Military Guard. Readers may also wish to read Kids Can Learn a Lot About Life From Veterans and Katrena's American Flag Scavenger Hunt. Find more articles at the Travel NC With Kids site map.