A most remarkable scene will greet you when you observe the south lawn of the Bartholomew County Courthouse in Columbus, Indiana. From the sidewalk you will see a series of tall stone columns. This is the Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans. There are 25 columns, each 40 feet tall and positioned in a 5X5 foot grid. Recessed lights are positioned between the columns. Each column is rock cut Indiana limestone set on black granite.
The memorial is designed to be a tribute to those living and dead who answered our nation’s call during the twentieth century conflicts. It was dedicated in 1997. There are 156 names of local veterans engraved on the smooth sides of the columns. In addition to the names, there are inscriptions of letters sent home from veterans from their places overseas during the wars. Many of these were the last letters written home. Below the letters the date and places where they lost their lives are also recorded.
This memorial is really eye catching and remarkable to see. Allow for enough time to read the names engraved on the columns. Allow even more time to read the letters. So many of them are the last letters that the servicemen wrote home before they perished in combat. This is a most emotional memorial that brings home the gratitude you must express for our servicemen and women. Prepare to shed some tears.
Roadtirement 
That’s a beautiful memorial.
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It truly is, and a very emotional place to visit.
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I can imagine. Victor Westfall, who I knew through bicycle racing (he set many records for is age group in the 80s and 90s) built a Vietnam Memorial for his son, David, who was killed in action in 1968. The memorial is in Angel Fire, NM. If you hadn’t heard of it, I think you will be interested in Victor’s story: https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/about-the-memorial/doc-westphall/
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Fascinating, Tim, and worthy of the time to digest the whole site. Than you so very much for sharing. Could not help but think that 1968 I was a Jr in High School.
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I was in the 3rd grade.
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This is an amazing memorial, I would like to read it myself. I offer the families a virtual hug, thank you for your service. 🙏🏻❤️🇺🇸✝️
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It is amazing. The letters are heart rending…
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Those letters are a heartwarming addition
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Some are quite moving, given the circumstances. Thanks, Derrick.
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