One of my “favorite places” to go is along the downtown Norfolk waterfront and pay respects to the Armed Forces Memorial. There along the waterfront are bronzed letters from soldiers who ultimately lost their lives in war. These are letters they sent home to loved ones before they passed.

Reading these eloquent heart felt letters dated from the years of 1776, 1777, 1861, 1863, 1864, 1918, 1942, 1943, 1952, 1966, 1970, 1971 and so many more, leaves a profound impact on the soul. You can only think of those families of those who served our country knowing this was their last letter from the military member. The bronze letters seem like they were blown in the wind to land at this beautiful memorial overlooking the Elizabeth River.

It is stopping and reading those letters of those soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our country that makes me stop and think the trivial things in every day life are really not so important. What is important are those soldiers who serve our country and especially those whose lives were lost protecting our freedom.

From the website: “The Armed Forces Memorial is a 160-foot monument with 20 bronze cast letters scattered across the base of a flagpole. The bronze pieces are actual letters written to loved ones by members of the Armed Forces who never returned from war. Erected in the summer of 1998, the memorial is dedicated to veterans of American conflicts from the Revolutionary to Persian Gulf War. It was designed by James Cutler and Maggie Smith.” To learn more : https://www.downtownnorfolk.org/go/armed-forces-memorial

This stunning memorial is located along the Elizabeth River in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. From Waterside District on the Elizabeth River Trail, follow the trail past Town Point Park to the point. It is flanked by a small brick entrance on each side with the flag pole as it center point. The Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Terminal and Nauticus are located on the memorial’s other side. It is a beautiful view to stop, reflect and pay respects to those who served our country.