Veterans honored with memorial
By Carolyn Buice

County Commission Chairman Wayne Hill, left, Carolyn and Ron Buice

Memorial’s eagle sculpture by Vic McCallum, right. Photos Auveed Bagheri-Cawthon.

U.S. Marine Corps

Unidentified woman making an imprint of a name from the memorial

Memorial ribbon cutting with (left to right) David H. Black, and Theron Luther Powell members of Greater Atlanta Chapter of Ex-POWs. David Everette, son of slain police officer Jerry Everette; Carolyn Buice, co-founder with husband Ronald of the Fallen Heroes Memorial Committee; John Dunn, County Commissioner, Vic McCallum, sculptor; Ronald Buice. Photo Auveed Bagheri-Cawthon.

LAWRENCEVILLE — 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. The significance of each part of the Memorial — 

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.

“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!

Facts about the Memorial —
• An anonymous donor purchased the first brick, “LZ Friendly” (Landing Zone Friendly).
• Total depth of the memorial from entry to flagpoles is 192 feet.
• Pylons escalate in height: 4 feet, 6 feet, 8 feet.
• The walkway opens into an 80' x 62' plaza.
• The center obelisk weighs 8,400 pounds and stands 84 inches tall.
• The weight of the eagle is approximately 200 lbs. She stands 22.5 inches tall.
• 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.