TOGETHER WE STAND:
Veterans Memorial

Location: Gainesville, FL
Client: City of Gainesville, Evergreen Cemetery

Used throughout American history to represent our highest ideals and aspirations, the star also symbolizes the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Every facet of the star is integral to making it whole, expressing a collective spirit and strength. It is for these reasons that the star serves as the central image of the monument.

The star image is created by stainless steel "pickets", standing at attention, that gradually rise to an apex. In military terms, a picket refers to a soldier or small unit of soldiers maintaining a watch. In the proposed design, the pickets collectively symbolize veterans, who together form and defend the star, the symbol of our country. The pickets will also keep watch over the final resting place of veterans.

The monument is intended to evoke both patriotic strength and human vulnerability, spirituality and earthliness, as well as loss and continuity. Shadows and changes in light will accentuate the star image differently over the course of a day. Seating and a small stage create a contemplative space where people are welcomed to be alone or gather for ceremonies.